- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Breaking News. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying Nicole Aunapu Mann, the first Native American woman in space, and fellow space explorers from the U.S., Japan and Russia splashed down at approximately 9:02 p.m. EST Saturday night in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tampa, Florida.
The safe return to earth came after a nearly 19-hour flight from the International Space Station with fellow NASA astronaut Josh Cassada, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Koichi Wakata, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina.
“That was one heck of a ride,” Mann said via radio moments after splashdown. “We're happy to be home. Looking forward to next time.”
Mann, a member of Northern California's Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, added that she couldn't wait to feel the wind on her face and enjoy some Earth food.
Mann and crew returned after 157 days in space. According to NASA, the crew circled the Earth some 2,512 times aboard the ISS, traveling more than 66 million miles before returning home.
Mann became the first Native American woman ever to be launched into space last October 5, 2022. She served as the mission commander on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 space mission on the Dragon spacecraft named Endurance. The SpaceX Crew-5 mission was launched with four other astronauts on board on their way to the International Space Station.
Related: History Was Made as Nicole Aunapu Mann Became the First Native American Woman Launched into Space
Related: INTERVIEW: Astronaut Nicole Mann is Ready to Become the First Native Woman in Space
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
President Biden Appoints Janie Simms Hipp to Community Development Advisory Board
Call to Campaigns: See Indian Country
NCAI Condemns Racist Remarks by Trump-Backed GOP Montana Senatorial Candidate
Following the release of the U.S. Department of the Interior's final report, we at Native News Online took a moment to reflect on our extensive three-year effort to highlight the traumatic legacy of Indian boarding schools. By covering all 12 Road to Healing events and publishing over 250 articles, we have amplified survivors' voices and illuminated the lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Our work continues. Please consider donating to help fund our ongoing coverage of Indian boarding schools.
