Living among the stars: Astronauts who stayed in space the longest

Frank Rubio set a record for the longest space mission by an American astronaut during his stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Initially planned for six months, his mission was extended due to a coolant leak in his spacecraft. He returned to Earth after completing 371 days. (Image credits: Nasa)

Scott Kelly is known for spending nearly a year aboard the ISS as part of the one-year mission. Over two ISS flights, his longest single stay lasted 340 days. His research focused on the effects of long-duration spaceflight, using a unique twin study comparing his physiological changes to those of his Earth-bound brother. (Image credits: Nasa)

Peggy Whitson holds the record for the most cumulative time spent in space by an American astronaut. She spent 675 days in space. A two-time ISS commander, she also conducted multiple spacewalks. (Image credits: Nasa)

Jeff Williams has played a crucial role in the assembly and operation of the ISS. Previously holding the record for the most cumulative time spent in space by an American astronaut of 543 days, he was later surpassed by Whitson. (Image credits: Nasa)

Christina Koch set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a female astronaut, staying on the ISS from March 2019 to February 2020. Her research focused on the impact of long-duration space missions on women’s health and physiology, contributing vital data for future missions. (Image credits: Nasa)

Sunita Williams has completed multiple missions to the ISS, with her mission lasting approximately 195 days during Expeditions 14/15. She holds the record for the most accumulated spacewalking hours by a female astronaut and was the first woman to command the ISS. (Image credits: X @spacesudoer)

Valeri Polyakov holds the world record for the longest single continuous stay in space, spending 437 days aboard Russia’s Mir space station. His mission provided invaluable data on human endurance during prolonged space travel. (Image credits: Nasa)