Don Pettit, 69-year-old NASA astronaut, to embark on six-month space mission

A file photo of NASA astronaut Don Pettit (Image credit: NASA)

NASA's oldest active astronaut, Don Pettit, will embark on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in September 2024. The 69-year-old astronaut will be part of the Roscosmos-led Soyuz MS-26 mission, alongside Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner.

According to Russian state media source TASS, the launch is scheduled for September 11, 2024. Pettit, whose participation was announced in May, will be making his fourth journey to space, adding to his impressive record of 370 days spent in orbit.

About Astronaut Don Pettit

Don Pettit is a veteran astronaut with a distinguished career at NASA. His first mission was Expedition 6 in 2003, where he spent over five months on the ISS. In 2008, he participated in the short-duration space shuttle mission STS-126, which focused on enhancing the station's living quarters and delivering vital supplies. Pettit returned to the ISS for Expedition 30/31 in 2012, where he conducted various scientific experiments and contributed to the station's maintenance.

About the Soyuz MS-26 Mission

The Soyuz MS-26 mission marks the third spaceflight for Alexey Ovchinin, who previously flew on Expeditions 47/48 and Expeditions 59/60. Ivan Vagner, on the other hand, will be making his second journey to the ISS, following his participation in Expedition 62/63.

This mission highlights the ongoing collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos, demonstrating the international effort to continue scientific research and exploration in space. Pettit's extensive experience and commitment to space exploration make him a valuable member of this upcoming mission.