Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner greeted NASA’s Crew-10 astronauts with a playful alien mask during their arrival at the International Space Station on March 16, 2025.
In a lighthearted moment captured live, Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner welcomed the Crew-10 astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on March 16, 2025, by donning an alien mask. This amusing encounter occurred shortly after the astronauts’ SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule successfully docked at 12:04 a.m. EDT, approximately 29 hours after its launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
As the ISS crew prepared for the newcomers’ deboarding, Vagner floated around in the station wearing a mask, hoodie, pants, and socks, adding a touch of humor to the occasion. A NASA spokesperson described the moment as “lighthearted,” highlighting the camaraderie among the crew members.
NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with 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 marked a significant moment for the Crew-10 team as they joined the Expedition 72 crew.
Following the hatch opening, Suni Williams rang the ship’s bell, signaling the arrival of the new astronauts. They were greeted with handshakes and hugs, further emphasizing the sense of community aboard the ISS. Williams expressed her excitement, stating, “It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive,” during a communication with Mission Control.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore are set to guide the new arrivals through the workings of the space station. Their mission is expected to last only one week, following a previous delay that left them in space longer than planned. This extended stay was due to complications that required NASA to return Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft empty.
As the Crew-10 astronauts settle in, Crew-9 commander Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are scheduled to depart the ISS on Wednesday, potentially splashing down off the coast of Florida as early as 4 a.m. EDT.
This playful encounter not only highlights the lighter side of life in space but also underscores the collaborative spirit among international astronauts aboard the ISS.
Source: Original article