Return of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-11)
with JAXA Astronaut YUI Kimiya<\/h2>\n
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)<\/p>\n
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\n \u2003The Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-11) has safely returned to Earth with JAXA Astronaut YUI Kimiya aboard, who
\n completed his long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS).\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
1.<\/p>\n
Landing Date\/Time (*Time is the 24-hour clock.) :<\/p>\n
\n January 15, 2026 \/<\/span> 2.<\/p>\n \n Splashdown Location\uff1a<\/span> 3.<\/p>\n Crewmembers\uff1a<\/p>\n \n Crew-11 Commander<\/span> 4.<\/p>\n NOTE:<\/p>\n \n \u2022<\/span> \n \u2022<\/span> <\/p>\n \n \u2003I am pleased to announce the safe return of the Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-11) carrying JAXA Astronaut YUI \n \u2003This was Astronaut Yui\u2019s second long-duration mission on the ISS. Together with his fellow crewmembers, he \n \u2003During this mission, he embraced the mission theme, \u201cBelieve in a Bright Future and Take on New Challenges!\u201d, \n \u2003He also made consistent contributions to multiple experiments and technology demonstrations aboard the \n \u2003In addition to his assigned tasks and motivated by his desire to \u201cgive back to people around the world who \n \u2003Although the return was earlier than originally planned, the fact that the crew supported one another and \n \u2003After returning to Earth, I expect Astronaut Yui to make use of the expertise gained during his ISS mission to \n \u2003I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our international partners, including NASA, ESA, CSA, and
\n 17:41<\/span>
\n (JST)<\/span>
\n January 15, 2026 \/<\/span>
\n 3:41<\/span>
\n (EST)<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Off the coast of San Diego, California<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n Zena Cardman (NASA)<\/span>
\n Crew-11 Pilot<\/span>
\n Mike Finke (NASA)<\/span>
\n Mission Specialist<\/span>
\n YUI Kimiya (JAXA)<\/span>
\n Mission Specialist<\/span>
\n Oleg Platonov (ROSCOSMOS)<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n The Crew-11 crew stayed for 166.7 days (4,000 hours and 58 minutes) in space<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
\n The Crew-11 crew stayed for 165.6 days (3,975 hours and 53 minutes) aboard the ISS.<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
\n In space: 308.3 days (7,401 hours and 7 minutes) (The fifth record among the Japanese astronauts)
\n <\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n Aboard the ISS: 306.9 days (7,366 hours and 57 minutes) (The fifth record among the Japanese
\n astronauts)
\n <\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nComments by JAXA President on the Return of the Crew Dragon
Spacecraft (Crew-11) with JAXA Astronaut YUI
\n Kimiya<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n Kimiya, which splashed down safely today in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, U.S.A., following his
\n long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n worked closely with the ground control team to successfully carry out the mission.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n and actively engaged in a wide range of activities with a view toward contributing to future international space
\n exploration.
\u2003Upon the arrival of Japan\u2019s newly developed HTV\u2011X1 at the ISS, he was responsible for the ISS robotic arm
\n capture operations, which he executed precisely in close coordination with the ground control team. This success
\n enabled HTV-X1 to deliver essential supplies to the long-duration crew, including large system equipment,
\n experimental devices, and fresh food, all while strongly demonstrating Japan\u2019s technological capabilities and
\n reliability to the international community.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n Japanese Experiment Module \u201cKibo\u201d, including the installation of the Demonstration of Removing Carbon-dioxide
\n System(DRCS), a technology verification unit with higher efficiency than previous systems. These achievements
\n represent important outcomes that will contribute not only to improving life on Earth, but also to future lunar and
\n Mars exploration.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n support us from space,\u201d Astronaut Yui shared images of Earth and various regions taken from the ISS, and worked to
\n strengthen information dissemination in cooperation with the fields of Earth observation and disaster prevention.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n overcame challenges together shows the strong bonds that will support future space exploration. I would like to
\n express my sincere appreciation for the swift response of all those involved, based on this spirit of cooperation
\n and mutual support, and to once again pay my respects to the leadership of NASA, SpaceX, and our international
\n partners.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n support the training of Astronaut SUWA, who is scheduled for a long-duration ISS mission in 2027, as well as to
\n contribute to advancing human activities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) toward the post-ISS era and promoting research and
\n development for future international space exploration.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n Roscosmos, as well as to the relevant domestic organizations and the people of Japan for their continued support and
\n cooperation. Your steady encouragement and assistance is always highly appreciated.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n