Expedition 41 Crew Successfully Departs the International Space Station and heads back to Earth

TL;DR

The Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft successfully undocks from the International Space Station, marking the completion of a five and a half month mission.

Transcript

we have the time on as well undocking confirmed at 6 31 pm central time as the international space station passed over northern china near the mongolian border one more time separation and confirming is complete absolutely and the second of the two separation burns is now underway this is a 30-second burn to increase the separation rate between the... Read More

Key Insights

• 💋 The successful undocking and departure of the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft marks the conclusion of a five and a half month mission.
• 🥳 The crew, consisting of Max Sarayev, Reid Wiseman, and Alexander Gerst, has spent a total of 165 days in space, completing their first mission for Wiseman and Gerst.
• 🔥 The separation burn is an essential procedure during undocking to ensure a safe distance between the spacecraft and the International Space Station.
• 🥳 Max Sarayev has now accumulated a total of 334 days in space throughout his two long-duration missions.
• 🏬 The Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft was captured by cameras on the International Space Station as it departed, providing an excellent view of the departing spacecraft.
• 😀 The journey of the Soyuz crew included 2640 orbits of the Earth, covering a distance of 70,868,168 statute miles.
• 🛫 The landing of the Soyuz spacecraft is scheduled for three hours and 19 minutes from departure.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the separation burn during undocking?

The separation burn is necessary to increase the distance between the Soyuz spacecraft and the International Space Station, ensuring a safe departure.

Q: How long has the Soyuz crew been in space?

The Soyuz crew, including Max Sarayev, Reid Wiseman, and Alexander Gerst, has been in space for a total of 165 days, marking the completion of their mission.

Q: How many missions has Max Sarayev completed in total?

Max Sarayev has completed two long-duration missions, totaling 334 days in space.

Q: Is this the first space mission for Reid Wiseman and Alexander Gerst?

Yes, Reid Wiseman and Alexander Gerst have completed their first space mission, spending a total of 165 days in space.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft undocks from the International Space Station at 6:31 pm central time.

• A 30-second separation burn is conducted to increase the distance between the Soyuz and the space station.

• The Soyuz crew, consisting of Max Sarayev, Reid Wiseman, and Alexander Gerst, is in the final stages of their 165-day mission.