NASA is set to conduct a ceremonial change of command aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on January 12, with live coverage starting at 2:35 p.m. EST on various platforms, including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency’s YouTube channel. During the event, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke will transfer leadership of Expedition 74 to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov as Crew-11 prepares for their departure from the ISS.
Scheduled to leave on January 14, Crew-11 members, including Fincke, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, are expected to splash down off the California coast around 3:40 a.m. on January 15. NASA and SpaceX are currently assessing favorable weather conditions for the re-entry.
This adjustment follows NASA’s recent decision announced on January 8 to return the Crew-11 mission earlier than planned due to a medical concern involving a crew member. While the individual is stable, NASA has opted to maintain privacy regarding further details.
The agency is committed to providing updates regarding its coverage plans in the days leading up to the event, reflecting its dedication to transparency and safety protocols. The event not only highlights the collaborative efforts in space exploration but also showcases NASA’s adaptability in dealing with unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the well-being of its crew members.