There is a lot going on right now on the @Space_Station, but fortunately we are all safe and witnessed a spectacular southern aurora show yesterday thanks to a recent solar event.

Yesterday’s bone density scans. This DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) machine uses low dose X-rays to measure bone density and body composition. Without the loading signal of gravity, our bones will leach calcium in space, which can lead to significant losses in bone density. This is why it is so important for us to exercise in space. Thanks to lots of weight lifting on the @Space_Station, the preliminary results show that the bone density in my spine actually increased in space!

When our @NASAArtemis missions land on the Moon, we need to be ready to take manual control for a successful landing.  For the Manual Piloting study, I flew this landing simulator before and immediately after spaceflight to assess if any changes associated with cognitive function or gravity affected my performance.  Thankfully, I was able to land successfully even just two hours after we splashed down!

First week back on Earth, a brief recap. Busy times with science, medical tests, physical training and of course a very joyous family reunion. Missing weightlessness, but loving Earth!

Another peek at our return to Earth last week, just after our capsule splashed down and we exited the helicopter. I was able to walk and even navigate some obstacles. Things got a bit trickier when the scientists challenged me to close my eyes and try a heel/toe walk (like a “walk the line” sobriety test) as you saw in the previous post (but that can be tricky for anyone, try it!). We still remember how to walk when we return to Earth, but our balance and stability can be challenged as our neurovestibular system readjusts to gravity. Although everyone’s recovery is different, it comes back quickly. From floating to walking in a few hours is a crazy transition, but it got even easier when I got back to Houston and was supported by my daughter’s hand!

Yesterday’s science. Started the morning with a blood draw to analyze what has changed in my body from our time on the @Space_Station (17 tubes! 16 shown here), while wearing a temperature monitor (the stylish headband) for 36 hours, followed by a study to understand what happens to neck muscles and their control while in space. Gravity is still feeling overrated, but I’m happy to contribute to this important science!

Ain’t nothing gonna break my stride (except for maybe gravity!). Here’s a peek into our first @Space_Station post-flight data collection session, immediately after landing in the helicopter after our @SpaceX Dragon splashdown last Thursday. The heel toe walk with eyes open was doable, but definitely off my balance game once they had me repeat with eyes closed (shown here). Exponentially better performance even just the next day, such an interesting recovery process! Stay tuned for the week’s recap of science and rehabilitation.

Earth.

Our microgravity indicator consists of four satellites orbiting a crocheted Earth, all hand-made elements by Jack’s daughter and my childhood best friend. Each crew member selected a personal symbol or “satellite.” A tether links each satellite to the Earth, representing our connection to our families, friends, and our one shared home. We’ll see this indicator drop as we re-enter Earth’s gravity tomorrow.   I chose a panda holding a mushroom, two adorable symbols of environmental importance and cultural fascination. Pandas are modern icons of species preservation and international diplomacy, and a pivotal character in my childhood. Mushrooms, or fungi, are the great decomposers, with all life on earth depending on them to keep our soils healthy and food webs functioning.   Jack chose a moon that his daughter hand-crocheted. Each color woven into the design represents a member of their family or a cherished shared activity. By bringing this piece with him, he keeps their bond close, allowing Jack to re-live happy memories while looking forward to the ones they’ll create when he returns.   Sophie chose a banana. Bananas are the world’s most common fruit, ordinary fruit shared by billions of people across every continent. Yet on orbit fresh fruit is rare. She wanted with us a playful reminder of kitchens and home—a familiar piece of Earth drifting weightless with us.   Andrey chose this thing, because it reminds me of an old space soviet movie. He would invite everyone to try to guess what this is. And we present to you, Planet Gaia and her moons, floating here in Crew-12’s Dragon!

Human reflections in the cupola.

Expedition 75 vibes. It was an honor and privilege to serve as Commander of the @Space_Station! After welcoming Crew-13 this week to mark the second part of Expedition 75, today I handed over the key to the @Space_Station to my friend and colleague Pyotr Dubrov. This ship is in the best of hands!

Room with a view. Check out my new digs as I camp out in Dragon until our departure. With Crew-13’s arrival we have a very full house on the @Space_Station. Luke is living in my previous crew quarters, and I’ve pitched a tent in Dragon.