NASA's Frank Rubio , Sets Record For Longest, US Trip in Orbit.
CNN reports that NASA's Frank Rubio has broken the record for the longest space mission by a United States astronaut.
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After spending over 355 days in low-Earth orbit, Rubio broke the record set by retired NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei.
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After spending over 355 days in low-Earth orbit, Rubio broke the record set by retired NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei.
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Rubio, who has been aboard the International Space Station since September of 2022, is on track to reach another significant achievement in the coming weeks.
When Rubio returns to Earth aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule, he will have spent at least 371 days in orbit.
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This would make him the first U.S. astronaut to spend over one year in the microgravity of low Earth orbit.
CNN reports that Rubio's original mission was only intended to last six months, but their spacecraft was deemed unsafe to carry the crew back home.
The crew's return date was then pushed back to September, as their return vehicle was prepared by Russia's Roscosmos space agency.
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As early as September 15, the Soyuz vehicle is expected to launch with a new crew of one NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts.
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Rubio’s journey in space embodies the essence of exploration, Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, via CNN.
As he breaks records as the longest serving @NASA US astronaut in space, he also paves the way for future generations of astronauts.
Your dedication is truly out of this world, Frank!, Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, via CNN
