SpaceX Crew-10 bids farewell to ISS after over 200 experiments, spearheading sustainable in-space research and showcasing unprecedented international synergy
Crew-10’s Return Marks a New Chapter in Space Sustainability
On August 8, 2025, the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance, carrying the Crew-10 astronauts, undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET. After an intense five-month mission filled with more than 200 scientific experiments, their return isn’t just the end of a routine rotation—it signals a shift toward sustainable science in orbit
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This mission wasn’t just about going up and then coming back. It highlighted how continuous research in microgravity—without wasting resources—can drive breakthroughs for both space and Earth
Key Sustainability Experiments
Plant biology: Experiments like Rhodium Plant LIFE compared wild-type and genetically modified plants, testing growth in different radiation and gravity environments
Energy upgrades: Commander Anne McClain installed cutting-edge roll-out solar arrays (IROSA), boosting the ISS’s power capacity without adding bulk
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Microalgae research: Nichole Ayers worked on cultivating nutritious microalgae, a potential sustainable food source for deep-space missions
| Experiment Focus | Objective | Sustainability Angle |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Growth in Orbit | Study effects of microgravity and radiation | Aid space-based agriculture, life support |
| IROSA Installation | Enhance power supply for ISS | Efficient energy generation, low mass |
| Microalgae Cultivation | Protein-rich sustainable food in space | Resource-efficient nutrition strategy |
Global Teamwork in Action
NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers,
JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi,
Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov
They handed over the baton to Crew-11—a multinational team from the U.S., Japan, and Russia—who took charge shortly after docking in early August
. This continuity ensures the ISS stays fully staffed and maximized for experiments, no gaps in presence. crew-10
Overcoming Weather Challenges—Team Coordination
Initially, the undocking and splashdown were scheduled for earlier dates, but persistent high winds off California’s coast forced rescheduling to August 8 and 9
. NASA and SpaceX adapted in real time, coordinating across agencies and contractors to keep the mission safe and on track.
What’s Next for the Crew—Splashdown & Science Legacy
The splashdown is planned for 11:33 a.m. ET on August 9 off the California coast—a milestone, as it’s the first such splashdown under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at that location crew-10
| Phase | Time & Details |
|---|---|
| Undocking | Aug 8, ~6:15 p.m. ET |
| Splashdown | Aug 9, ~11:33 a.m. ET off California |
| Recovery & Review | Immediately after splashdown |
After splashdown, the crew will undergo medical checks and debriefings. Their experiments—ranging from plant biology to solar tech—will continue to inform future missions, from lunar bases to Mars journeys.