UPDATE: The Expedition 73 crew is gearing up for their return to Earth after a remarkable 245-day mission aboard the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky will undock from the Prichal module on December 8, 2025, at 8:41 p.m. EDT, and land in Kazakhstan just hours later.
As they prepare for their descent, the crew is engaged in critical research focusing on blood health in microgravity, essential for long-term astronaut wellbeing. This developing study is vital as it could lead to breakthroughs in managing health conditions that arise from prolonged exposure to weightlessness.
The trio, poised to return home, will parachute down in the Soyuz MS-27 capsule, with a scheduled landing at 12:04 a.m. EDT on December 9. NASA will broadcast live coverage of their return on platforms including NASA+ and YouTube, allowing millions to witness this significant moment.
In addition to their return preparations, Kim, Ryzhikov, and Zubritsky conducted intensive blood research, with Ryzhikov and Zubritsky testing a unique suit designed to counteract fluid shifts that astronauts experience in space. This innovative gear aims to mitigate head and eye pressure during their re-entry, ensuring a smoother transition back to Earth’s gravity.
Meanwhile, fellow NASA Flight Engineers Zena Cardman and Chris Williams continued important health assessments, utilizing the Ultrasound 2 device to scan their veins and monitor blood pressure. This part of the ongoing CIPHER human research investigation is crucial for tracking astronauts’ cardiovascular health before, during, and after missions.
In a collaborative effort, veteran astronauts Mike Fincke and Kimiya Yui also assisted Williams in acclimating to life aboard the station, while Roscosmos Flight Engineer Oleg Platonov focused on vital maintenance tasks to ensure the station’s operational capabilities.
With just a few days left before their departure, the crew is finalizing their preparations, making this a pivotal time for both their research and personal health. Keep an eye on their journey as they make history in space exploration.
For real-time updates, follow the space station blog and stay connected on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @space_station. This is a moment you won’t want to miss!
