NASA astronaut Don Pettit, renowned for his scientific ingenuity and captivating space photography, is set to return to Earth on April 19, 2025, concluding his fourth mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Remarkably, his landing will coincide with his 70th birthday, making him the oldest active astronaut in NASA’s history.
A Celebrated Career in Space
Born on April 20, 1955, in Silverton, Oregon, Pettit has always been drawn to science and exploration. He earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Arizona, and his passion for space led him to be selected as a NASA astronaut in 1996. Pettit embarked on his first spaceflight in 2002 as part of Expedition 6, marking the beginning of a celebrated career in space. Over the years, Pettit participated in several significant missions, including STS-126, Expedition 30/31, and his latest mission, Expedition 71/72. As of 2025, Pettit has spent a total of 590 days in space, placing him among the most experienced astronauts in terms of time spent in orbit.
The Latest Mission: Expedition 71/72
Pettit’s most recent mission began on September 11, 2024, when he launched aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft, alongside Russian cosmonauts Aleksey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. Over the course of 220 days, the crew orbited Earth more than 3,520 times, covering approximately 93.3 million miles. Their return is scheduled for April 19, marking the end of another successful mission for Pettit and his colleagues.
Innovations and Contributions
Beyond his duties as a flight engineer, Pettit is celebrated for his inventive spirit. During his time on the ISS, he created the Zero-G coffee cup, designed to allow astronauts to drink liquids in microgravity without the need for straws. This invention earned the distinction of being the first patented object conceived in space. Pettit is also an accomplished astrophotographer. He developed a makeshift “barn door tracker” using spare parts aboard the ISS, enabling him to capture stunning long-exposure images of Earth and the cosmos. His photographs, often featuring star trails and auroras, have been widely shared and appreciated for their artistic and scientific value.
A Legacy of Exploration
Pettit’s career reflects a profound commitment to exploration and education. He has participated in numerous outreach programs, sharing his experiences to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. His return on his 70th birthday not only marks a personal milestone but also symbolizes the enduring human spirit of discovery.