Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner welcomed NASA’s Crew-10 astronauts to the International Space Station with a humorous twist, donning an alien mask during their arrival on March 16, 2025.
On March 16, 2025, the International Space Station (ISS) welcomed a new crew in a lighthearted manner, showcasing the camaraderie and humor that exists among astronauts. Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner greeted the Crew-10 astronauts with an unexpected twist—he donned an alien mask as they arrived.
The Crew-10 astronauts, who launched aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, docked with the ISS at 12:04 a.m. EDT. Their journey lasted approximately 29 hours, beginning with their launch at 7:03 p.m. on Friday.
As the ISS crew prepared for the newcomers’ deboarding, Vagner floated around the station wearing his alien mask, a hoodie, pants, and socks. This playful moment was captured during a live stream, providing a glimpse into the lighter side of life in space.
Shortly after the hatches between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the ISS were opened at 1:35 a.m. EDT, NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov entered the station. The arrival was marked by the ringing of a ship’s bell, a tradition that adds to the ceremonial nature of such events.
Once inside, the new arrivals exchanged handshakes and hugs with the Expedition 72 crew, following Vagner’s humorous introduction. Suni Williams, who opened the hatch, expressed her joy at the arrival, stating, “It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive.”
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore are expected to guide the newcomers through the operations of the space station. Their own mission, initially planned for one week, has been extended due to complications that arose with Boeing’s first astronaut flight, which left them stranded in space.
As the Crew-10 members settle in, Crew-9 commander Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are scheduled to depart the ISS on Wednesday, with a splashdown expected off the coast of Florida as early as 4 a.m. EDT.
This playful encounter highlights the unique experiences and relationships formed among astronauts, even in the extraordinary environment of space.
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