Playful ‘Alien’ Prank Welcomes SpaceX Crew-10 to the International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) became the stage for a lighthearted and unexpected moment on Sunday, March 16, 2025, when Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner donned an alien mask to greet the newly arrived SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts. The playful prank brought smiles and laughter to an otherwise serious mission, showcasing the camaraderie and humor that thrive even in the high-stakes environment of space exploration.
A Warm (and Alien) Welcome
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying four astronauts—Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers from NASA, Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Kirill Peskov from Roscosmos—successfully docked with the ISS at 12:04 a.m. EDT on Sunday. This marked the culmination of a 29-hour journey that began with their launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday evening.
As the new arrivals prepared to enter the ISS, they were greeted by an unusual sight: Ivan Vagner floating through the station in an alien mask, hoodie, pants, and socks. The scene was live-streamed to audiences on Earth, who were delighted by the unexpected humor.
“NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov entered the International Space Station shortly after opening the hatches between the space station and the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft at 1:35 a.m. EDT,” NASA said in a statement.
A Tradition of Humor in Space
While space missions are often associated with precision and seriousness, moments like these highlight the human element of life aboard the ISS. Over the years, astronauts have embraced humor as a way to foster camaraderie and relieve stress during long missions. From wearing costumes on Halloween to pulling pranks like Vagner’s alien mask stunt, these lighthearted gestures remind us that even in outer space, laughter is universal.
The prank came as part of a welcoming ceremony for Crew-10. After astronaut Suni Williams opened the hatch, she rang the ship’s bell as is tradition when new crew members arrive. The newcomers floated into the station one by one, exchanging handshakes and hugs with their colleagues from Expedition 72.
“It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive,” Williams told Mission Control during the celebration.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
The arrival of Crew-10 also marked a significant moment for two astronauts who have been stranded aboard the ISS for nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were originally scheduled for a brief one-week mission last June but ended up staying far longer after their return vehicle encountered multiple problems and had to be sent back to Earth empty.
Their extended stay has been challenging but necessary as they awaited replacements who could take over their responsibilities aboard the ISS. With Crew-10 now safely aboard, Wilmore and Williams are finally preparing to return home later this week aboard another SpaceX capsule that has been docked at the station since September.
Technical Challenges Lead to Delays
The Boeing Starliner capsule was initially intended to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth after their short mission last year. However, persistent issues—including helium leaks and propulsion malfunctions—forced NASA to ground the spacecraft for repairs. In its place, an older SpaceX capsule was sent up with two empty seats reserved for their return journey.
Further delays arose when Crew-10’s new capsule needed extensive battery repairs before launch, pushing back Wilmore and Williams’ return date even further. Weather permitting, they are now expected to undock early Tuesday morning and splash down off Florida’s coast later that evening.
Life Aboard the ISS
For now, life aboard the ISS is bustling with activity as it temporarily houses 11 crew members representing three nations: the United States, Russia, and Japan. The new arrivals will spend several days learning about station operations from Wilmore and Williams before taking over their duties entirely.
Despite being crowded, this period of overlap allows for a smooth transition between crews while fostering collaboration among international partners. The ISS has long been a symbol of global cooperation in space exploration, bringing together astronauts from different countries to work toward common goals.
Public Reactions: Laughter Across Earth
Vagner’s alien prank quickly went viral on social media, with viewers praising his sense of humor and creativity. “What can I say? I’m loving the alien mask,” one user commented online. Another joked: “I knew aliens were real! They’re just hanging out on the ISS!”
This playful moment resonated with audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder that even in high-pressure environments like space missions, humor can bring people together.
Looking Ahead
As Wilmore and Williams prepare for their long-awaited return home, Crew-10 will take over operations aboard the ISS for their six-month mission. Their arrival not only ensures continuity of research and maintenance but also highlights the growing role of private companies like SpaceX in advancing human space exploration.
Moments like Vagner’s prank underscore why space missions continue to capture public imagination—not just for their scientific achievements but also for their ability to showcase humanity’s resilience, creativity, and humor.
In outer space or here on Earth, sometimes all it takes is an alien mask to remind us that laughter truly is universal!
