Crew-10 Commander Calls Space Flight “Incredible” Following 28-Hour Journey to ISS

In a stunning milestone for human space exploration, NASA’s Crew-10 mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked safely at the International Space Station (ISS) after an exhilarating 28-hour journey. Commander Anne McClain and her crew were over the moon with deep satisfaction and awe, calling their ride nothing short of extraordinary. This new mission is yet another milestone in the expanding partnership between private space companies and state space agencies in advancing the frontiers of space exploration.

A Pilgrimage of Excellence and Precision
The Crew-10 flight departed from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at the precise hour of 4:15 PM EST on March 15, 2025. The Dragon capsule, carrying McClain and three other astronauts, was on a scheduled mission to rendezvous with the ISS. The journey, which lasted nearly a day, was characterized by intricate coordination and flawless functioning of the onboard systems of the spacecraft. It was an excellent showcase of current space technology and collaboration between SpaceX and NASA.

“It was a dream experience, surreal,” Commander Anne McClain explained. “As we approached the ISS, seeing it come slowly into the window was a humbling experience. It really is hard to put the feeling into words. You are small but important at the same time.”

McClain and her crewmates, Science Officer Dr. Jordan Ellis, Flight Engineer Max Rodriguez, and Payload Specialist Dr. Fiona Zhao, rode on the recently upgraded SpaceX Dragon capsule. The spacecraft itself, equipped with the most advanced navigation technology, enabled the crew to have a smooth and accurate trip to the orbiting laboratory. Despite the extended length of the mission, longer than typical flights, the crew itself remained in fine fettle, continuously in communication with mission headquarters in Houston.

The Technology Behind the Mission
The success of Crew-10 is a testament to the technological prowess of SpaceX and its evolving role in human spaceflight. The Dragon spacecraft used in the mission had state-of-the-art autonomous docking systems that ensured the crew’s safety and enabled a smooth arrival at the ISS. The technology has been refined through innumerable tests and upgrades over the years, eventually making it feasible for missions like Crew-10 to be carried out without human intervention during the critical docking phase.

SpaceX Dragon capsules can also be reused, cutting the cost of space travel by humans significantly. This feature has made the company one of NASA’s top partners as it looks to explore further into space, including the Moon and Mars.

“It’s amazing to witness this new frontier of space travel,” McClain said. “The union of private and public space players is redefining the entire face of space exploration. We can do so much more when we partner together.”

A Milestone in Space Exploration
The 28-hour journey to the ISS was not just a technological success but a human one as well, showing one more step of advancement on the journey of eventual space exploration and habitation. The Crew-10 mission under the Artemis program that is fated to send man back to the Moon by 2028 is leading the way in reconditioning men for long and complex journeys.

During the voyage, the Crew-10 astronauts were able to experience zero gravity and the optical effect of orbital flight, giving them a firsthand experience of life in space. Mission science officer Dr. Jordan Ellis described how the crew devoted time to conduct research and onboard experiments to maximize the utilization of the journey.

“For me, one of the most exciting parts was conducting research on the effects of microgravity on certain biological processes. We’re doing cutting-edge work up here that could have applications for future missions to the Moon and beyond,” said Ellis. “Every moment in space offers something new, whether it’s studying the cosmos or observing how our bodies adapt to the environment.”

What’s Next for Crew-10?
With Crew-10 safely docked with the ISS, they will now join the existing crew at the station. Their primary objective is to undertake a series of experiments, contribute to ongoing space research, and help keep the ISS’s delicate systems running smoothly. The astronauts will also be carrying out studies on the effects of long-term space travel on the human body, which will be vital for planning missions to Mars in the future.

The Crew-10 astronauts will remain on board the ISS for six months and collaborate with international colleagues from Russia, Japan, Europe, and Canada. A combination of research and outreach work will be undertaken by the crew, with them returning to Earth to share their experiences and results with students and researchers.

A Historic Moment for Women in Space
For Commander Anne McClain, the Crew-10 mission is especially significant, as it continues her professional career as one of NASA’s leading female astronauts. McClain, a skilled aviator and spaceflyer, is an inspiration to young women who wish to pursue a career in STEM fields.

Being here, representing so many people and cultures, reminds us how much we’ve come,” McClain said, her voice trembling with emotion. “Space is for all of us, and I hope that what we’re doing here today encourages others, especially young women, to aim for the stars and dream big.”.

Her words are a testament to women in space becoming increasingly the norm, with more and more female astronauts taking on mission command, research, and technical positions. McClain’s success is a testament to expanding opportunities for women in aerospace and engineering, fields that were once largely dominated by men.

The Future of Space Travel
While Crew-10 adapts to its new residence aboard the ISS, they are aiding in furthering the long-term goals of human space exploration. Space flights like these will serve as a path forward for humans to explore the Moon, Mars, and even farther out in the universe. NASA’s Artemis program aims to achieve a sustainable presence of humans on the Moon by 2028, and others consider Crew-10 part of the pieces of the puzzle that will make these grandiose aspirations a reality.

“Success of this mission is not solely about this trip,” McClain said. “It’s about opening doors for the future. We’re on the threshold of something incredible, and this mission is just one of the many steps in that direction.”

With the Crew-10 mission now being a footnote in history, the world is holding its breath for the next leap for mankind in space—a leap that will undeniably set the course of man’s presence among the stars.