NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Mission: A New Chapter in Space Exploration
In February 2025, four crew members will embark on a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission. This mission continues the collaboration between NASA and SpaceX under the Commercial Crew Program, marking the 10th crew rotation to the station.
Meet the Crew
Commander Anne McClain
NASA astronaut Anne McClain, a US Army colonel, is set for her second spaceflight. Selected by NASA in 2013, McClain has an impressive background in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, international security, and strategic studies. With over 2,300 flight hours in various aircraft, she brings extensive experience. Her first spaceflight saw her serve as a flight engineer during Expeditions 58 and 59, where she led two spacewalks. McClain’s leadership roles at NASA include serving as branch chief and space station assistant to the chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office.
Pilot Nichole Ayers
Nichole Ayers, a major in the US Air Force and a member of NASA’s 2021 astronaut class, is the first from her class named to a crew. Ayers holds degrees in mathematics and computational and applied mathematics. As an instructor pilot and mission commander, she has accumulated over 1,400 flight hours, including 200 in combat, in the T-38 ADAIR and F-22 Raptor aircraft.
Mission Specialist Takuya Onishi
JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, returning for his second spaceflight, has 113 days in space. Onishi, who flew as a flight engineer for Expeditions 48 and 49, became the first Japanese astronaut to capture the Cygnus spacecraft robotically. A certified JAXA flight director, he now leads the team operating Kibo, the station’s Japanese experiment module. Onishi’s background includes a degree in aeronautics and astronautics and extensive experience as a pilot for All Nippon Airways.
Mission Specialist Kirill Peskov
Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov will be making his first spaceflight. With a degree in engineering from the Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation School, Peskov has experience as a co-pilot on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. Since being selected as a cosmonaut in 2018, he has undergone extensive training, including skydiving, zero-gravity training, scuba diving, and wilderness survival.
The Mission’s Objectives
During their stay on the ISS, the Crew-10 team will engage in various scientific investigations and technology demonstrations. These activities aim to advance human space exploration and benefit life on Earth. The ISS serves as a crucial platform for NASA to study the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and develop solutions for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
For over 20 years, the ISS has been home to continuous human presence, facilitating groundbreaking research and technology advancements. This mission will contribute to ongoing efforts to expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit, aligning with NASA’s Artemis program, which focuses on lunar exploration and preparing for human missions to Mars.
