Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner welcomed the Crew-10 astronauts to the International Space Station with a humorous twist, donning an alien mask during their arrival on March 16, 2025.
In a lighthearted moment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner greeted the Crew-10 astronauts with a playful twist. As the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule successfully docked at 12:04 a.m. EDT on March 16, 2025, Vagner welcomed the newcomers while wearing an alien mask, showcasing that even astronauts have a sense of humor.
The Crew-10 mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:03 p.m. on Friday, March 14, and arrived at the ISS approximately 29 hours later. As the ISS crew prepared the capsule for deboarding, Vagner was seen floating around in his alien disguise, complete with a hoodie, pants, and socks, creating a memorable and amusing atmosphere for the new arrivals.
NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov entered the ISS shortly after the hatches between the space station and the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft were opened at 1:35 a.m. EDT. This moment was marked by the ringing of the ship’s bell, a tradition that signifies the arrival of new crew members.
Following the hatch opening, the Crew-10 astronauts floated into the station, where they were greeted with handshakes and hugs from the Expedition 72 crew, including Vagner. “It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive,” said Suni Williams, who was among those welcoming the newcomers.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore are expected to guide the new arrivals through the operations of the space station before they prepare to return home after a nine-month mission. Initially, their mission was scheduled to last only one week following the launch of Boeing’s first astronaut flight. However, complications led to a delay, forcing NASA to bring the Boeing Starliner back to Earth without a crew.
As part of the ongoing operations aboard the ISS, Crew-9 commander Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are scheduled to depart the station on Wednesday, March 19, at approximately 4 a.m. EDT, before splashing down off the coast of Florida.
This playful encounter highlights the camaraderie and lighthearted spirit that exists among astronauts, even in the challenging environment of space. Such moments not only provide entertainment but also strengthen the bonds between international crew members working together in orbit.
According to Fox News, the Crew-10 mission continues to exemplify the collaborative efforts of space agencies around the world as they explore the final frontier.