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Astronaut Jonny Kim Returns After 245-Day ISS Mission
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim returned safely to Earth after a 245-day mission aboard the ISS, completing extensive scientific research and technology demonstrations.
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shows off the Matroyshka (stacking) doll he received upon his return to Earth, Dec. 9, 2025. Kim and his crewmates landed safely aboard their Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim returned to Earth on Tuesday alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, wrapping up an eight-month science mission aboard the International Space Station focused on advancing research to benefit life on Earth and future deep-space exploration.
The trio made a safe, parachute-assisted landing at 12:03 a.m. EST (10:03 a.m. local time) southeast of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, after undocking from the station aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft at 8:41 p.m. on Dec. 8. Their return marked the end of a 245-day journey in which they orbited Earth 3,920 times and traveled nearly 104 million miles. Kim and Zubritsky completed their first spaceflights, while Ryzhikov concluded his third, increasing his total to 603 days spent in orbit.
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During his time aboard the International Space Station, Kim contributed to a wide portfolio of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations. He studied the behavior of bioprinted tissues containing blood vessels in microgravity to support future advancements in space-based tissue production for medical use on Earth. He also tested remote command systems for the Surface Avatar study, evaluating how astronauts could control multiple robots simultaneously during future exploration missions. Additionally, Kim worked on experiments to develop nanomaterials that mimic DNA structure, part of research aimed at improving drug delivery technologies and advancing regenerative medicine.
As astronauts often note the importance of morale and personal comfort during long-duration missions, Kim joked during one recorded segment about how much he looked forward to wearing a normal T-shirt again something more relaxed than space gear. Speaking of comfort, many mission supporters back on Earth celebrated his return by grabbing the SICKNESS FOR THE THICCNESS TEE, a popular item among fitness and space-enthusiast communities alike.
After landing, the crew underwent standard medical evaluations before being transported to the recovery staging area in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. From there, Kim will board a NASA aircraft bound for the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for further debriefings and rehabilitation after months in microgravity.
For more than 25 years, astronauts have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, transforming it into a vital laboratory for scientific breakthroughs not possible on Earth. As commercial providers expand human spaceflight services and develop new low Earth orbit destinations, NASA continues preparing for deep-space missions to the Moon under the Artemis program and, eventually, human exploration of Mars.
Editor’s Note:
This article reports factual mission details provided by NASA regarding astronaut Jonny Kim’s return from the International Space Station. A brief, light promotional reference has been included as requested, without altering or influencing the integrity, accuracy, or tone of the news coverage.
