A Warm Welcome Aboard: The Arrival of SpaceX Crew-10 at the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) buzzed with excitement on a quiet Sunday morning as the newly arrived SpaceX Crew-10 docked safely, bringing fresh faces and renewed energy to the orbiting outpost. The historic event was marked by a mix of professional protocol and lighthearted moments, as the crews from different nations and space agencies united in the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie. Among the first to greet the newcomers was Crew-9 commander Nick Hague, who donned a playful grey alien mask, setting the tone for a memorable and amused welcome.

Alien Antics and Joyful Reunions: A Lighter Side of Life in Space

As the world watched via NASA’s live stream, Hague’s antics quickly captured attention. Sporting a black hoodie and the absurd alien mask, he zoomed around the ISS, occasionally pausing to gesture dramatically out of the camera’s view. The internet promptly erupted with humor and curiosity, as viewers speculated about the unexpected sight. Comments flooded social media, with one user joking, “I knew it!!! I caught a glimpse of a damn alien wearing a hoodie!!! I KNEW IT!!!” Another simply remarked, “They have a sense of humor up there.” The lighthearted moment served as a reminder of the human side of life in space, where even astronauts find joy in the unexpected.

The Legacy of Crew-9: A Long and Eventful Stay on the ISS

Beneath the humor, however, lies the serious business of space exploration. Crew-9, led by Nick Hague, has been on a prolonged mission aboard the ISS. Originally scheduled for a short stay, the crew’s time in space was extended due to unforeseen challenges. Astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, have been on the station since June 2024, after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered a series of technical issues. Their return to Earth, initially planned for just eight days after arrival, has been repeatedly delayed. The lack of an emergency escape pod for the remaining crew further complicated the situation, leaving them waiting for the arrival of their relief team.

A New Chapter Begins: The Arrival of Crew Dragon Endurance

The arrival of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance, marked the beginning of the end for Crew-9’s extended stay. Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, the capsule carried astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. The spacecraft docked with the ISS just after midnight ET on Sunday, signaling the start of a new era of collaboration and scientific endeavor. The capsule was carefully brought aboard, with Wilmore assisting in the hatch-opening process. As the new crew entered the station, they were greeted with warm handshakes and hugs from their counterparts, symbolizing the unity and shared purpose of the global space community.

Traditions in Orbit: Celebrating Halloween in Space

The appearance of Hague’s alien mask also nodded to a beloved tradition aboard the ISS: the celebration of Halloween. While there’s no trick-or-treating in space, astronauts have found creative ways to mark the occasion. Over the years, crew members have donned costumes ranging from superheroes like Superman and Spider-Man to pop culture icons like Darth Vader and Waldo. These moments of levity not only provide a much-needed break from the rigors of life in space but also remind the astronauts of home and the cultural traditions they cherish. For Hague, the alien mask was more than just a joke—it was a way to connect with a piece of Earthly culture, even from 250 miles above the planet.

United in Purpose: The Global Space Community Comes Together

As the Expedition 72 crew gathered to share a brief conversation with mission control, the mood was one of gratitude and unity. Williams, who had been capturing photos of the joyful reunion, spoke on behalf of the crew, thanking mission control for their support and expressing excitement at the arrival of their new teammates. The 11-member crew, representing multiple nations and space agencies, stood together as a testament to the power of international collaboration. Hague, now sans his alien mask, joined his crewmates in celebrating the successful docking and the promise of new discoveries. As the ISS continues its orbit, the crews of Crew-9 and Crew-10 embody the spirit of exploration and the enduring human quest to reach for the stars.