URGENT UPDATE: Three astronauts are set to return to Earth after a 245-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky will undock from the ISS at 8:41 p.m. EDT on December 8, 2025, and are expected to land in Kazakhstan just hours later at 12:04 a.m. on December 9.
As they prepare for their return, the crew focused on critical blood research to ensure astronaut health during long-duration spaceflights. This vital work took center stage on Thursday, as it could have implications for future missions, including those to Mars.
The astronauts practiced their operations inside the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, which will carry them back to Earth. They reviewed how to manage the effects of gravity as they reenter the atmosphere. Ryzhikov and Zubritsky tested a unique suit designed to counteract the fluid shifts that occur in microgravity, which could help alleviate pressure on the head and eyes during their return.
Meanwhile, NASA Flight Engineers Zena Cardman and Chris Williams conducted important cardiovascular tests using the Ultrasound 2 device. These procedures provide insights into the astronauts’ health, tracking their cardiovascular conditions before, during, and after their missions. This research is part of the ongoing CIPHER study, aimed at ensuring astronaut well-being in space.
In addition to the health research, veteran astronauts Mike Fincke and Kimiya Yui helped Williams acclimate to life on the ISS, sharing their extensive knowledge of station operations. Williams has been aboard the ISS since November 27, alongside Roscosmos Flight Engineers Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, who are also conducting studies on blood flow in microgravity.
As the crew wraps up their time in orbit, they emphasize the importance of their findings for future space exploration. Ongoing research is crucial for understanding how long-term weightlessness affects the human body, especially as agencies prepare for ambitious missions beyond low Earth orbit.
NASA will provide live coverage of the crew’s return on platforms including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency’s YouTube channel. Follow the latest updates and insights from the ISS through their official blog and social media channels.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and witness the significant strides being made in space research and human health!
