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<\/a><\/figure>The event included four NASA astronauts:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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- Nick Hague, Crew-9 commander and Expedition 72 flight engineer\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Butch Wilmore, Boeing Starliner commander and Expedition 72 flight engineer\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Suni Williams, Boeing Starliner pilot and Expedition 72 commander\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Don Pettit, Soyuz MS-26 and Expedition 72 flight engineer\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Expedition 72 crew also included Roscosmos cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Aleksey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner, who were not in attendance. The cosmonauts served as Crew-9 mission specialist, Soyuz-MS commander, and Soyuz-MS flight engineer, respectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n
NASA astronaut Matt Dominick kicked off the event by striking the ceremonial bell, a tradition symbolizing the end of the mission for the crew and those that support them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center Acting Director Stephen Koerner recognized the crew\u2019s commitment to the mission and their role in the advancement of human spaceflight. \u201cThese brave men and women make the tough yet rewarding choice to embark on long-duration missions away from their family and friends,\u201d he said. \u201cThey do this to conduct groundbreaking research and inspire generations. Spaceflight is hard, but through togetherness we make giant leaps, going further than ever before.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"NASA](\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/iss072e280736\/iss072e280736~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n NASA astronauts (from left) Don Pettit and Butch Wilmore, Expedition 72 flight engineers, pack external research hardware which housed a variety of samples exposed to the vacuum of space such as polymers, photovoltaic devices, and more. The samples were returned to Earth to be examined to understand how space radiation, the extreme thermal environment, micrometeoroids, and more affect materials possibly benefitting the space industry. <\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"NASA](\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/iss072e063703\/iss072e063703~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Suni Williams, Expedition 72 Flight Engineer and Commander respectively, discuss orbital lab maintenance procedures aboard the International Space Station.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Expedition 72 crew dedicated more than 1,000 combined hours to scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the International Space Station. Their work included enhancing metal 3D printing capabilities in orbit, exploring the potential of stem cell technology for treating diseases, preparing the first wooden satellite for deployment, and collecting samples from the station\u2019s exterior to examine whether microorganisms can survive in the harsh environment of space. They also conducted studies on plant growth and quality, investigated how fire behaves in microgravity, and advanced life support systems, all aimed at improving the health, safety, and sustainability of future space missions. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Pettit also used his spare time and surroundings aboard the station to conduct unique experiments and captivate the public with his photography. Expedition 72 captured a record 1 million photos during the mission, showcasing the unique research and views aboard the orbiting laboratory through astronauts\u2019 eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The expedition was a historic venture, with Williams and Wilmore launching aboard Boeing\u2019s Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA\u2019s Boeing Crew Flight Test before being integrated with the Expedition 71\/72 crew and returning on NASA\u2019s SpaceX Crew-9. While working aboard the orbiting laboratory, Williams established a new record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman \u2014 62 hours and 6 minutes \u2014 placing her fourth among the most experienced spacewalkers in history.\u202fAdditionally, Expedition 72 saw the first reboost of the International Space Station by a Dragon spacecraft. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The crew participated in a panel discussion, sharing further details about the expedition including experiments conducted, favorite foods, and experiencing the Aurora Borealis. The conversation closed with a special patch presentation from Wilmore to Williams to highlight her achievement of exceeding Mach 25 in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Following the panel, an award ceremony recognized team members for their efforts in supporting the mission, with recipients including the crew, NASA employees, and commercial partners.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
- Don Pettit, Soyuz MS-26 and Expedition 72 flight engineer\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Suni Williams, Boeing Starliner pilot and Expedition 72 commander\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Butch Wilmore, Boeing Starliner commander and Expedition 72 flight engineer\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n