Astronaut Don Pettit Celebrates 70th Birthday After 220 Days on ISS

Veteran NASA astronaut Don Pettit marked a significant milestone upon his return to Earth on April 21st, 2025: his 70th birthday. After spending 220 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Pettit’s return highlights the ongoing contributions of experienced astronauts to space exploration.

Don Pettit’s Remarkable Mission and Research

while Pettit’s age garnered attention, NASA emphasized the vital research he conducted during his time on the ISS. His work focused on several key areas critical for future space missions.

• Metal 3D Printing: Enhancing capabilities for in-orbit metal 3D printing.
• Water Sanitization: Advancing technologies for water purification in space.
• Plant Growth: Studying plant behavior under varying water conditions.
• Fire Behavior: Investigating how fire behaves in a microgravity environment.

Pettit also captivated the public with his stunning photography from space,sharing unique perspectives of earth and the cosmos on social media.

Did You Know? Pettit has a large following on Instagram were he posts incredible photos taken from space.

age and Astronaut Eligibility: NASA and ESA Policies

While Don Pettit’s recent mission highlights the contributions of older astronauts, space agencies have varying policies regarding age limits for candidates. NASA emphasizes qualifications over age, while the European Space Agency (ESA) has a stricter cutoff.

NASA’s Approach to Astronaut Age

NASA does not have a formal age restriction for astronaut candidates. The agency prioritizes selecting the most qualified individuals for each mission, regardless of their age. Past candidates have ranged from 26 to 46 years old, with an average age of 34