Having graduated from the NASA astronaut program in 2019, the Miami native Frank Rubio was launched into space for the first time on September 21, 2022. His voyage into space marked a significant milestone last Monday, September 11, when he surpassed Mark Vande Hei’s previous record of 355 days for the longest spaceflight by an American astronaut, according to NASA. As of last Thursday, Rubio will have spent more than a year in space, having set a new record for the longest space trip in history by an American.
Upon his anticipated return the week starting 25 September, Rubio will have marked 371 days in space.
Mixed Roller Coaster
“It’s been a mixed emotional roller coaster to a certain degree because personally, it was an incredible challenge, and it was difficult,” said Rubio in an interview from the International Space Station this month. “Professionally, it was incredibly rewarding. It’s a huge honor and it’s a privilege to represent our office and our team this way.”
According to his NASA biography, before embarking on his astronaut career, Rubio earned his doctorate of medicine in 2010 and is certified as a family physician and flight surgeon. Prior to that, Rubio served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. During his military service, he was deployed as a combat soldier in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia, and flew Blackhawk helicopters.
Hardships
Rubio embarked on what was initially thought to be a six-month mission, but unforeseen circumstances extended his voyage when the spacecraft experienced a coolant leak. This prevented a regular return to Earth as initially planned by NASA. Consequently, Russia’s space agency intervened by dispatching an uncrewed spacecraft to the International Space Station to ensure the safe return of Rubio along with the two Russian cosmonauts accompanying him on the craft.
Amidst the mission’s challenges, Rubio maintained a positive outlook, keeping the lines of communication open with his loved ones back on Earth. The supportive team around him played a crucial role in navigating through the difficulties.
The duration of Rubio’s venture into space is yet to match the record held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 days in space during the mid-1990s, marking the longest spaceflight overall.
Upon commencing his mission, Rubio experienced a bout of queasiness for a few hours due to the absence of gravity, though he mentioned feeling better by the following morning.
Post mission, when Rubio returns to Earth, readjusting to the gravitational pull might require a period ranging from two to six months, during which his body will reacclimate to walking, standing, and bearing weight once again.
Before setting off on their space expedition, NASA astronauts undergo rigorous training for a duration extending up to two years.
When asked what he is most enthusiastic about on his return to Earth, Rubio answered seeing his family again, the peace and quiet of his backyard and a fresh salad.
Featured image: NASA astronaut and Expedition 68 Flight Engineer Frank Rubio is pictured conducting maintenance tasks inside the International Space Station’s Harmony module. Credit: NASA
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