Soyuz MS-24 Crew Returns to Earth After Extended Mission

The Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft, carrying NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, successfully returned to Earth today, April 13, 2026. The capsule touched down safely in the steppe of Kazakhstan, concluding an extended mission for Kononenko and Chub, who spent over a year aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

While the landing site is far from Jacksonville, the safe return of the crew is a significant event for the global space community, which includes many enthusiasts and professionals right here in our city. Local residents with an interest in space exploration often follow these missions closely, from the launches at Cape Canaveral to the intricate operations aboard the ISS, perhaps while strolling along the scenic St. Johns River.

O'Hara, who launched on September 15, 2023, spent approximately 204 days in orbit. Kononenko and Chub, who arrived on the same mission, had their stay extended due to a coolant leak on the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, which necessitated a swap of crew assignments. Their extended mission now places Kononenko as the record holder for the longest cumulative time in space.

The return marks the end of a long journey for the crew, and their safe arrival back on Earth is a testament to international collaboration in space exploration. For those in Jacksonville who followed their journey, maybe cheering from the beaches of Jacksonville Beach, it's a moment to appreciate the dedication and bravery of astronauts and cosmonauts.