In a significant transition of leadership aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin has officially taken command from NASA astronaut Sunita Williams. The ceremonial handover marks yet another instance of international collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos, despite geopolitical tensions on Earth. Sunita Williams, who has played a crucial role in ISS operations, is now preparing for her journey back to Earth alongside her fellow crewmates. The event underscores the continued partnership between space agencies and the rotational leadership structure aboard the ISS.Williams’ tenure as commander ensured smooth operations amid preparations for the arrival of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission. The transition not only highlights the importance of global cooperation in space exploration but also paves the way for the next phase of research and operations aboard the station. As Ovchinin assumes control, the station’s daily activities and scientific experiments will continue under his leadership until the next change in command.Sunita Williams steps down as ISS commander, passes leadership to Russian cosmonautIn a formal ceremony aboard the ISS, Sunita Williams officially transferred command to Alexey Ovchinin before departing for Earth. During the event, Williams expressed gratitude to her team, mission control centers, and everyone involved in preparing her for the spaceflight. She thanked fellow astronauts, ground support teams, and engineers who played a role in ensuring a successful mission.Williams stated, “We will miss you,” as she handed over the command, according to a report by USA Today. This change in leadership ensures the seamless continuation of ISS operations, with Crew-10 preparing for their arrival.Ovchinin’s leadership will guide the ISS for the upcoming weeks as NASA, Roscosmos, and other international partners coordinate ongoing experiments, station maintenance, and crew activities.When will Sunita Williams return to EarthSunita Williams, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov and NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Nick Hague, is scheduled to return to Earth. However, their departure is contingent upon the launch and arrival of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission.The Crew-10 mission is expected to launch between March 12 and March 13, following which a week-long handover process will take place. Once Crew-10 is fully integrated into the ISS, Williams and her crewmates will depart on March 19.The upcoming return marks the conclusion of another successful mission for Williams, who has made significant contributions to space exploration throughout her career.Who will be aboard the incoming Crew-10 missionCrew-10 will bring a fresh team of astronauts to the ISS, ensuring the continuation of research and operations aboard the station. The new team includes:Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos cosmonaut)Takuya Onishi (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut)Anne McClain (NASA astronaut)Nichole Ayers (NASA astronaut)Once they arrive, they will officially become members of Expedition 72, taking over duties and responsibilities from the departing crew.How long will Alexey Ovchinin stay in commandOvchinin is expected to remain in space until mid-April, overseeing station operations alongside Roscosmos Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner and NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit. The transition period between commanders ensures that all critical procedures continue without disruption.His tenure will involve managing scientific research, station maintenance, and preparing for future crew rotations. Roscosmos and NASA will continue their coordinated efforts, reinforcing the importance of international partnerships in space missions.
Sunita Williams says ‘we will miss you’ as she transfers ISS command… |
