NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Back on Earth

After six months in space, Expedition 8 Commander Michael Foale gives the thumbs up sign after a smooth landing in Kazakhstan. Foale returned to Earth in a Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 8 Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri, and European Space Agency Astronaut Andre Kuipers. During this mission, Foale became the U.S. record-holder for most cumulative time in space. He now has 374 days in orbit.

Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka and NASA ISS Science Officer Mike Fincke will command the station until October.

Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls