Home / Science / ISS Command Changes Hands in Orbital Handover
ISS Command Changes Hands in Orbital Handover
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Sergey Ryzhikov relinquished command of the ISS.
- Michael Fincke assumed command of the International Space Station.
- A new crew is set to spend 242 days in orbit conducting experiments.
Sergey Ryzhikov, commander of the International Space Station, has officially passed the torch to NASA astronaut Michael Fincke. The handover ceremony took place as the 73rd expedition concluded its mission, transferring command of the orbital outpost to the incoming 74th crew. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing operations aboard the ISS.
The newly arrived crew aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft is embarking on an extensive 242-day mission in orbit. Their agenda is packed with over 40 scientific experiments designed to advance our understanding of space and its effects. Two spacewalks are also planned to install new scientific instruments and conduct vital maintenance.
The 73rd expedition crew, comprising cosmonauts and astronauts from Russia, the United States, and Japan, completed their scheduled tasks, including numerous experiments and spacewalks. Ryzhikov, along with two other cosmonauts, is preparing for their return to Earth soon, concluding their significant contribution to space exploration.
