NASA's Oldest Astronaut Returns From 220-Day Mission, Seeks Future Flights

NASA's oldest full-time astronaut, Don Pettit, recently returned from a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station, celebrating his 70th birthday during his descent back to Earth. Pettit described feeling decades younger in weightlessness, with his usual aches and pains vanishing while in orbit, but noted that the return to gravity brought those discomforts back. Despite initial concerns over his appearance upon landing, NASA officials stated that Pettit's post-flight condition was within expectations for astronauts reacclimating to Earth's environment. During his mission, Pettit conducted physics experiments and pursued astrophotography, sharing the unique experiences of space with others. He expressed enthusiasm for future missions, stating he still feels youthful and hopes to fly again before retiring. Pettit's journey highlights both the physical challenges and rejuvenating aspects of long-duration spaceflight for older astronauts.