NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev are scheduled to conclude a 241-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, July 26. The crew will depart the station via the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, with an expected parachute-assisted landing on the steppe of Kazakhstan at 6:26 a.m. EDT.
Mission Logistics and Return Procedures
The return sequence begins with the undocking of the Soyuz MS-28 from the station’s Rassvet module, currently slated for 3:02 a.m. EDT. According to NASA, the mission will encompass 3,856 total orbits and a travel distance exceeding 102 million miles. Once the capsule touches down southeast of Dzhezkazgan, recovery teams will transport the three crew members by helicopter to Karaganda, Kazakhstan, for initial processing.
Following the landing, the crew will diverge to their respective home agencies. NASA confirmed that Williams will transit to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, while Kud-Sverchkov and Mikaev will return to their training facility in Star City, Russia. This mission marks the first spaceflight for both Williams and Mikaev, and the second for Kud-Sverchkov.
Did you know?
The International Space Station has maintained a continuous human presence for over 25 years. This longevity serves as the primary testbed for research that informs long-duration flight requirements for both the Artemis program and future Mars exploration missions.
Live Coverage Schedule for Expedition 74/75
NASA has scheduled comprehensive coverage of the departure and landing process across its digital platforms, including the official NASA Live stream. All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time and remain subject to mission requirements.
- July 25, 9:40 a.m.: Expedition 74/75 change-of-command ceremony.
- July 25, 11:10 p.m.: Coverage of crew farewells and ISS hatch closing.
- July 26, 2:30 a.m.: Live broadcast of Soyuz undocking.
- July 26, 5:15 a.m.: Deorbit and landing coverage begins.
- July 26, 5:32 a.m.: Scheduled deorbit burn.
- July 26, 6:26 a.m.: Expected touchdown in Kazakhstan.
Advancing Long-Duration Spaceflight Trends
These operations are critical for the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable lunar presence as a precursor to human missions to Mars.
For the most accurate, real-time updates on undocking and landing times, keep an eye on the official NASA Live feed, as orbital mechanics often necessitate minor adjustments to the landing schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the crew have been in space?
The crew will have completed a 241-day mission by the time they land on July 26.
Where exactly does the Soyuz MS-28 land?
The spacecraft is targeted to land on the steppe of Kazakhstan, southeast of the city of Dzhezkazgan.
How can I watch the landing live?
NASA provides live coverage of the undocking, deorbit, and landing sequences through its website and various digital streaming platforms.
Are you following the progress of the Expedition 74/75 crew? Share your thoughts on the future of long-duration space travel in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on international space missions.
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