Russian Cosmonauts Return to Earth After Record Stretch on ISS

Facts

• Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub returned Monday after a record-breaking 374 days in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station (ISS).^[1][2]
• Their Soyuz MS-25 capsule, also carrying the US' Tracy Dyson, reportedly made a smooth landing in the Kazakh Steppe 3.5 hours after undocking from ISS.^[3]
• At 1,111 days, Kononenko now also holds the record for reportedly the longest cumulative time in orbit.^[4][5]
• Following the landing, the returning personnel were helped to adjust to Earth's gravity and undertook medical examinations.^[6]
• Russia reportedly plans to ultimately transition from deploying from the ISS for an independent space station, for which it's seeking partnerships from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.^[1]
• As of Sept. 24, there are now currently 12 humans in space, with nine on the ISS. This includes NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore who remain stuck on the station having arrived in June for a roughly ten-day visit.^[7][8]

Sources: ^[1]The Moscow Times, ^[2]Associated Press, ^[3]Newsweek, ^[4]TASS, ^[5]CBS, ^[6]ABC News, ^[7]Verity and ^[8]Who Is In Space.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by New York Times. Sending humans to space is an extraordinary feat, but is it necessary? With the immense costs, risks, and outdated technology involved, it may be more prudent to focus on robotic missions. These are more efficient, science-driven, and cost-effective — providing valuable insights without risking human lives. As we face urgent challenges on Earth, such as climate change, redirecting resources from human spaceflights could be a more responsible choice. While human missions inspire, the same goals can often be achieved through advanced robotics, sparing lives and resources.
• Narrative B, as provided by Washington Post. Despite the challenges, sending humans to space is essential for our future. Issues like muscle atrophy and bone loss aside, research shows no insurmountable barriers to long-duration missions, including journeys to Mars. Advances in medicine and technology are making it possible to address these challenges. Human exploration brings invaluable insights and innovation that robots alone cannot achieve. The desire to expand humanity’s presence beyond Earth drives us to find solutions, ensuring that no obstacle — physiological or psychological — prevents humanity's journey into the cosmos.

Predictions