On May 22, 2025, a significant gathering took place at Space Center Houston as NASA hosted a debriefing and awards ceremony for the Expedition 72 crew. This event was attended by over 1,000 individuals who came to honor the remarkable achievements of the crew, as well as the invaluable contributions of NASA employees and partners. These contributions were instrumental in ensuring the success of the expedition. The crew members from Expedition 72 took the opportunity to share their reflections and experiences from their time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), expressing gratitude for the chance to advance scientific research in such a unique environment.
The event prominently featured four NASA astronauts:
### Nick Hague
Nick Hague, who served as the Crew-9 commander and Expedition 72 flight engineer, was among the astronauts present. He played a crucial role in the mission, contributing significantly to the expedition’s objectives.
### Butch Wilmore
Butch Wilmore, the Boeing Starliner commander and Expedition 72 flight engineer, also participated in the ceremony. His leadership and technical expertise were pivotal during the mission.
### Suni Williams
Suni Williams, who served as the Boeing Starliner pilot and Expedition 72 commander, shared her insights and experiences. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through various challenges.
### Don Pettit
Don Pettit, who was part of the Soyuz MS-26 team and served as an Expedition 72 flight engineer, brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the mission, enhancing the scientific outcomes achieved.
In addition to the NASA crew, the Expedition 72 team included Roscosmos cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Aleksey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner. These cosmonauts, who served in roles such as Crew-9 mission specialist, Soyuz-MS commander, and Soyuz-MS flight engineer respectively, were not present at the event but were integral to the mission’s success.
The ceremony commenced with NASA astronaut Matt Dominick striking the ceremonial bell, a longstanding tradition symbolizing the conclusion of a mission for both the crew and their support teams. This act set the tone for an evening of celebration and reflection.
Stephen Koerner, the Acting Director of Johnson Space Center, acknowledged the crew’s unwavering commitment to the mission and their significant contributions to the advancement of human spaceflight. He stated, “These brave men and women make the tough yet rewarding choice to embark on long-duration missions away from their family and friends. They do this to conduct groundbreaking research and inspire generations. Spaceflight is hard, but through togetherness, we make giant leaps, going further than ever before.”
During their time aboard the International Space Station, the Expedition 72 crew dedicated over 1,000 combined hours to scientific research and technology demonstrations. Their work included advancements in metal 3D printing capabilities in space, exploring the potential of stem cell technology for treating diseases, and preparing the first wooden satellite for deployment. They also collected samples from the station’s exterior to study whether microorganisms could survive the harsh conditions of space. Moreover, their research encompassed plant growth studies, investigations into how fire behaves in microgravity, and enhancements to life support systems—all aimed at improving the health, safety, and sustainability of future space missions.
In his spare time, Don Pettit engaged in unique experiments and captivated the public with his photography. The Expedition 72 team set a record by capturing 1 million photos during their mission, offering a glimpse into the unique research and breathtaking views aboard the orbiting laboratory.
This expedition was historic for several reasons. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test before integrating with the Expedition 71/72 crew and returning on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9. While onboard the ISS, Williams achieved a new record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman, totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, placing her fourth among the most experienced spacewalkers in history. Additionally, Expedition 72 marked the first reboost of the International Space Station by a Dragon spacecraft.
The crew participated in a panel discussion, sharing further details about the expedition, including the experiments conducted, favorite foods, and the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. The discussion concluded with a special patch presentation from Wilmore to Williams, highlighting her remarkable achievement of exceeding Mach 25 in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
Following the panel discussion, an award ceremony was held to recognize the efforts of team members who supported the mission. The recipients of these awards included the crew, NASA employees, and commercial partners. Their hard work and dedication were crucial to the mission’s success.
Kjell Lindgren, the Acting Director of the Flight Operations Directorate, emphasized the importance of collaboration with commercial and international partners. He stated, “Your collaboration is vital not just to mission success but to the very identity of this program. Together, we can demonstrate what global collaboration can achieve in pursuit of excellence and exploration.”
The event concluded with a visual recap of the Expedition 72 crew members’ journey aboard the International Space Station, celebrating the achievements of those who helped make the mission a success.
For those interested in a deeper understanding of the mission and its impact, this event served as a testament to the collaborative spirit and scientific curiosity that drive human space exploration. The achievements of Expedition 72 underscore the importance of international partnerships and technological advancements in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration. Further information and insights can be found by exploring additional resources related to the mission and its scientific contributions.
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