Veteran Astronaut Reflects on Earthly Connection as He Announces Retirement

Following a record-breaking nine-month unintentional orbital stay, astronaut Butch announced his retirement from NASA. The announcement comes amidst ongoing efforts to maintain and eventually decommission the International Space Station (ISS). During his extended time in orbit, the astronaut expressed profound appreciation for Earth’s beauty and intricate systems, drawing parallels to the order observed in space. “Even as I ventured beyond Earth’s limits, I remained attuned to the beauty and significance of the world below,” he stated, “recognizing the same intricate design evident among the stars is also woven into the fabric of life at home.” As part of a broader plan to eventually deorbit the ISS by 2031, a SpaceX Cargo Dragon spacecraft will launch on August 21 via a Falcon 9 rocket to resupply the station.