Vande Hei talked about his record-breaking stay on the space station.
March 31: NASA approves the spacecraft design.
00:47
Mark Vande Hei is looking forward to seeing his wife after his return from space.
Vande Hei, Shkaplerov, and Dubrov were on the Russian capsule that landed in the grassland of Kazakhstan early this morning. After 355 days in space, Vande Hei will finally get to see his wife and family in person, something he shared his excitement for just before leaving the station.
Vande Hei said he was excited for the chance to see his family back on Earth. I haven't been in her vicinity since January of last year. He said during a video broadcast from the International Space Station yesterday that it will be wonderful.
Related: Hubble Space Telescope hits record-breaking 1 billion seconds in the final frontier
The return to Earth wasbittersweet for the space-farer as it was the end of his active astronaut career.
He said before the flight to Earth that he would not be flying to space again.
Vande Hei shared both his gratitude and sadness, because he won't be able to come back. This is a very special place.
The crew was flown by helicopter to Karaganda after being carried to a medical tent. Vande Hei was going to fly to Houston on a NASA jet. He will recuperate from his 355 consecutive days in space, the longest single spaceflight ever made by an American. Scott Kelly had a previous record of 340 days.
Vande Hei's historic, record-breaking feat was shared by the U.S. Vice President, who wrote online: "Congratulations on your historic journey and 355 days in space." Thank you,Astro_Sabot.
Congratulations on your historic journey and 355 days in space. Welcome home, @Astro_Sabot!March 30, 2022
See more
Fantastic place, occupied by amazing people. I will always remember my time on the International Space Station. Vande Hei was happy to be back on Mother Earth.
Vande Hei might not fly home in a Soyuz capsule if the U.S. condemned Russia for its actions in Ukraine. Vande Hei's planned return, remaining unchanged, has gone forth successfully.
If you want to follow her, email her at cgohd@space.com. Follow us on social media.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
