WASHINGTON — A seasoned NASA astronaut who recently returned from the International Space Station (ISS) believes the orbiting lab could continue functioning well beyond its scheduled retirement in 2030—and he’s open to flying there again.
Don Pettit came back to Earth on April 19 (U.S. time) aboard a Soyuz spacecraft, completing his third extended stay on the ISS. This mission lasted 220 days, bringing his total time in space to 590 days—ranking him just behind Peggy Whitson and Suni Williams among U.S. astronauts.
Pettit's time aboard the ISS spans three separate missions across the station’s history: 2002–2003, 2011–2012, and 2024–2025. He reflected on how much the station has evolved since his first flight, when it was still being assembled.
“Living there back then was like living in a house while you’re still building it,” Pettit recalled during an April 28 press conference. “NASA was still learning how to operate it.”
Today, Pettit describes the ISS as a “well-oiled machine,” citing improved infrastructure and greater capacity for science and operations. “We’re working at peak efficiency, keeping seven people fully engaged in mission activities,” he said.
Although NASA plans to retire the ISS by decade’s end and shift toward commercial space stations, Pettit sees no technical reason to do so. Comparing it to the still-active B-52 bombers built decades ago, he said, “We don’t need to throw the station into the ocean in 2030 if we don’t want to.”
According to him, continued investment and upgrades—like newer, more efficient solar panels—could keep the ISS operational indefinitely. “We can keep it going as long as we choose to,” he said.
Pettit's view contrasts with concerns raised by NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. Member Rich Williams recently noted the aging station is facing mounting risks, such as cracks in Russian modules, deorbiting uncertainties, and financial constraints.
His opinion also runs counter to NASA’s pivot toward commercial platforms and industry stakeholders pushing for a clear ISS end date to help attract investment in future projects.
Despite a tough reentry—Pettit admitted to feeling ill and vomiting shortly after landing—he says he’s recovering well. Now 70, he has no plans to step away from spaceflight. “When the flight docs clear me, I’m ready to go again,” he said. “I think I’ve still got another mission or two in me.”
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