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September 27, 2023

Committee Leaders Lofgren and Sorensen Congratulate NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio on Record-Breaking Mission

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio (M.D.) (Lt. Col., U.S. Army) returned to Earth after a record-setting 371 days in space. Rubio was selected to join the 2017 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class. He launched aboard Soyuz MS-22 in September 2022 and was originally scheduled to return to Earth in March 2023. Due to a coolant leak on the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, Rubio’s stay on the International Space Station was extended.

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Ranking Member Eric Sorensen (D-IL) made the following statement:

“Congratulations and welcome home to NASA astronaut Frank Rubio. After an impressive 371 days in low-Earth orbit, he has achieved a major milestone by completing the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut. Throughout his time aboard the International Space Station, Rubio participated in a series of experiments and observations that will expand our understanding of prolonged spaceflight's effects on the human body. These insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of human space exploration. Thank you, Dr. Rubio, for your dedication to the American space enterprise.”

To learn more about Astronaut Rubio’s milestone achievement, NASA has launched a dedicated website commemorating Rubio's year in space with highlights of his missions. Discover this incredible journey at NASA's Frank Rubio Year in Space.