NASA's Record-Breaking Astronaut Touches Down After Historic Mission

Frank Rubio, a NASA astronaut and former Army surgeon, returned to Earth on October 3, 2023, after spending 371 days in orbit. He set a new U.S. record for the longest single spaceflight by an American, surpassing the previous mark of 340 days held by Scott Kelly.

Rubio was part of the Expedition 69 and 70 crews on the International Space Station (ISS), where he conducted hundreds of scientific experiments and participated in four spacewalks. He also became the first person to perform surgery in microgravity, using a robotic arm and a 3D-printed scalpel.

Rubio's extended mission was part of NASA's efforts to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on human health and performance, in preparation for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Rubio underwent regular medical tests and collected biological samples to monitor changes in his body and brain. He also wore a device that tracked his sleep patterns, mood, and cognitive abilities.

Some of the key findings from Rubio's mission include:

His bone density decreased by about 10%, but recovered quickly after landing.
His immune system showed signs of stress and inflammation, but did not compromise his ability to fight infections.
His vision deteriorated slightly, due to increased pressure in his eyes caused by fluid shifts in his head.
His muscle mass and strength decreased by about 15%, but improved with exercise and nutrition.
His heart function remained normal, despite a slight reduction in its size and output.
His brain structure and function changed in subtle ways, affecting his memory, attention, and spatial orientation.

Rubio said he was proud of his accomplishment and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of human space exploration. He also thanked his family, friends, and colleagues for their support and encouragement.

"I feel great, physically and mentally," he said after landing in Kazakhstan. "It was an amazing experience, but I'm glad to be back home."

Rubio will undergo further medical evaluations and rehabilitation at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He will also share his insights and lessons learned with other astronauts and researchers.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised Rubio for his courage and dedication, and said his mission was a milestone for the agency and the nation.

"Frank Rubio is a hero and a trailblazer," Nelson said. "He has pushed the boundaries of human endurance and expanded our knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of living and working in space. He has inspired us all to reach for the stars."

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