On July 26, 2026, two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut concluded their 241-day mission aboard the International Space Station, returning to Earth with precision landing in Kazakhstan. Commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, flight engineer Sergey Mikaev, and NASA astronaut Chris Williams embarked on the journey back to Earth from the station’s Russian Rassvet module. They departed at 3:03 a.m. EDT, traveling aboard the Soyuz MS-28/74S capsule.
Their return was marked by a standard procedure, involving a controlled descent facilitated by the Soyuz’s braking rockets. These operated for four minutes and 42 seconds, aligning the capsule for a safe re-entry. Touchdown occurred at 6:27 a.m. EDT (3:27 p.m. local time), with the capsule landing near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.
Throughout their mission, the crew completed 3,856 orbits, spanning over 102 million miles. Upon landing, Russian recovery teams promptly reached the crew to assist with their adjustment to Earth’s gravity after eight months in space. Medical checks and personal communications followed swiftly. Commander Kud-Sverchkov expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am feeling better and better with each moment. Everything was smooth and perfect.” Williams was presented with a traditional matryoshka
doll by the Russian recovery team.
After changing into lighter clothing, the crew traveled by helicopter to Karaganda, 285 miles from the landing site. Chris Williams prepared for his journey back to Houston, while his crewmates headed to Moscow. This mission marked the first spaceflight for Williams and Mikaev, contrasting with Kud-Sverchkov’s prior experience aboard the station.
While onboard, Williams undertook two spacewalks, enhancing the station’s robotic arm and preparing for future solar panel installations. Mikaev and Kud-Sverchkov also participated in maintenance tasks outside the station’s Russian segment.
Williams praised his crewmates, describing them as intellectually curious and kind individuals. Left on the station were Crew 12 commander Jessica Meir, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. Pyotr Dubrov, Anna Kikina, and NASA’s Anil Menon joined the station, preparing to continue the research initiatives.
Looking back at his journey, Williams shared his childhood fascination with space exploration and his commitment to this dream. His experience at the station exceeded expectations, especially the views of Earth.
The recent command change saw Meir assume leadership of the ISS. With a new crew set for arrival in September, the station continues its exploration endeavors.