Imagine returning home after a nearly six-month journey through the vastness of space—an extraordinary adventure that pushes the boundaries of human exploration. That's exactly what NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 crew members have accomplished after spending 167 days aboard the International Space Station. And here’s where it gets even more intriguing: they are now preparing to share their incredible experiences and groundbreaking scientific findings in a live news conference, scheduled for 2:15 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 21, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
This is not just a routine briefing—it's a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke of NASA, Kimiya Yui from JAXA (the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Oleg Platonov of Roscosmos. These space explorers will answer questions about their month and a half in microgravity, the over 2,670 orbits around Earth, and the nearly 71 million miles they traveled during their mission. After their return on January 15, when they splashed down off San Diego coast, they arrived in Houston on Friday to undergo essential post-flight evaluations and physical reconditioning.
NASA will stream the entire event LIVE on its YouTube channel, making it accessible to everyone interested in space exploration. Additionally, they offer guidance on other platforms where you can tune in and watch their updates, including social media channels.
Media representatives are warmly invited to participate either in person or remotely. Those interested in attending physically should reach out to NASA's Johnson Space Center’s newsroom before 5 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 20. To join virtually, media personnel must call in at least ten minutes early to pose questions during the conference. The opportunity to submit questions via social media using the hashtag #AskNASA also exists—an excellent way to join the conversation from afar.
Throughout their participation in the mission, the crew carried out hundreds of scientific experiments and technological demonstrations, contributing valuable knowledge and innovations that help us understand life beyond Earth. Their journey covered more than five months, including 165 days aboard the space station, and demonstrated the United States' continuous commitment to sustainable human spaceflight through partnerships with private companies.
Thanks to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which has successfully provided safe, dependable, and economical transportation to and from the space station using private industry, access to low Earth orbit has expanded. This program has been vital in enabling more scientific research, commercial opportunities, and technological advancements—paving the way for future moon missions and human exploration of Mars.
Stay connected with NASA’s latest space station news, stunning images, and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). The achievements of those who live and work aboard the ISS over the past 25 years continue to propel us toward a future where space exploration is more inclusive, innovative, and inspiring than ever before.
What do you think about the role of private companies in space travel? Do you believe NASA’s partnership approach is the best way forward, or are there potential risks? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.
