NASA’s New Astronaut Trainees Honored Aboard the International Space Station

NASA has officially introduced its latest cohort of astronaut candidates, commonly referred to as “ascans,” while Expedition 73 carries out its mission on the International Space Station. During this time, the crew has actively engaged in a range of scientific experiments and routine station upkeep in conjunction with celebrating the newcomers’ arrival, as detailed in a recent Space.com report.

Expedition 73 Honors NASA’s Latest Astronaut Group

The unveiling of NASA’s 24th astronaut class took place at Houston’s Johnson Space Center on September 22, 2025, with the Expedition 73 crew onboard the ISS joining virtually. This group is set to embark on an intense two-year training regime that prepares them for future spaceflight assignments.

Expedition 73 astronaut Jonny Kim extended warm congratulations to the new recruits:

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“To the newest astronaut class, from the crew of Expedition 73 onboard the International Space Station, congratulations and welcome to the Astronaut Corps!”

The team shared an image of themselves viewing the induction ceremony, underscoring the global cooperation and enthusiasm that fresh astronaut arrivals inspire across the space community.

Expedition 73 astronauts Jonny Kim (left), Zena Cardman (upper left), Kimiya Yui (right), and Mike Fincke aboard the ISS gather around a screen displaying NASA’s latest 10 astronaut candidates on Earth. (Image credit: NASA/Jonny Kim)

Ongoing Cutting-Edge Research in Orbit

In tandem with welcoming the new astronaut group, Expedition 73 personnel continued intensive scientific studies onboard. Jonny Kim led the Voyager DNA Decryption experiment, which involves decoding DNA sequences to investigate advanced polymer-based data storage solutions applicable for long-term space missions by offering a lightweight alternative to conventional methods.

Additionally, the “Virtual” experiment, formally titled Spatial Orientation and Interaction of Eisodic Systems Under Conditions of Weightlessness, probed astronauts’ vestibular system responses using virtual reality headsets. Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov’s eye tracking and physiological reactions to virtual stimuli provided valuable data on how humans adjust neurologically to microgravity environments.

Cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky also contributed to SPLANKH, an ultrasound-driven study examining digestive functions, metabolism, and nutrient absorption in space. These continual investigations enrich knowledge regarding human health in a microgravity setting, essential for upcoming deep space exploration.

Upholding Station Operations and Prep

Key responsibilities of Expedition 73 included maintaining the ISS and aiding preparations for upcoming experiments. Mike Fincke and Kimiya Yui unpacked scientific equipment and supplies delivered by the NG-23 Cygnus XL cargo craft, nicknamed the S.S. William C. “Willie” McCool. Fincke also installed a CubeSat on the NanoRacks external platform, primed for imminent deployment outside the station.

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully elevated the station’s orbit on September 26, 2025, using thrusters for fifteen minutes after an earlier aborted attempt due to unforeseen fuel tank changes. Such maneuvers help maintain the orbit’s optimal altitude while preserving station integrity and functionality.

Global Partnerships and Outreach Endeavors

Exchanging knowledge and fostering collaboration remain central to Expedition 73’s objectives. On September 25, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim engaged in dialogue with Yoon Youngbin, leader of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA). Kim expressed admiration for Korea’s efforts: “There is so much to learn about space, and I am very inspired by what Korea is doing to push forward that envelope,” he noted. Yoon replied, “I believe that the words that you share with us today will be meaningful guidance and inspiration for our future generations who dream of space.”

These conversations emphasize the importance of international partnerships and cultural exchange in advancing mankind's exploration and presence beyond Earth.

Current Crew and Vehicle Overview

As of September 26, 2025, the ISS hosts seven crew members including commander Sergey Ryzhikov, cosmonauts Alexey Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov, NASA astronauts Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, and JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui.

The station supports two crew vehicles: SpaceX’s Dragon Endeavour and Russia’s Soyuz MS-27, along with four attached cargo ships such as the NG-23 Cygnus XL from Northrop Grumman. With almost 25 years of uninterrupted habitation, the ISS continues to serve as a vital center for international research, innovation, and cooperation.