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Expedition 6
Expedition 6
Expedition 6
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Expedition 6
Promotional poster
Mission typeLong-duration expedition
Mission duration159 days, 44 minutes (at ISS)
161 days, 1 hour, 14 minutes, 38 seconds (launch to landing)
Distance travelled~107,824,795 kilometres (66,999,221 mi)
Orbits completed2,536
Expedition
Space stationInternational Space Station
Began25 November 2002, 21:59 (2002-11-25UTC21:59Z) UTC
Ended3 May 2003, 22:43 (2003-05-03UTC22:44Z) UTC
Arrived aboardSTS-113
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Departed aboardSoyuz TMA-1[1]
Crew
Crew size3
MembersKenneth Bowersox
Nikolai Budarin
Donald Pettit
EVAs2
EVA duration13 hours, 17 minutes

Expedition 6 mission patch

L-R: Donald Pettit, Ken Bowersox and Nikolai Budarin

Expedition 6 was the sixth expedition to the International Space Station (25 November 2002 – 3 May 2003). It was the last three-man crew to reside on the station until the arrival of STS-121 in 2006, delivering the final astronaut of Expedition 13. The crew performed two spacewalks in support of maintenance and assembly of the International Space Station.

Crew

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Prime crew
Position Crew
Commander United States Kenneth Bowersox, NASA
Fifth and last spaceflight
Flight Engineer Russia Nikolai Budarin, RSA
Third and last spaceflight
Flight Engineer United States Donald Pettit, NASA
First spaceflight
NASA astronaut Donald Thomas was scheduled to fly as a flight engineer but was pulled due to medical concerns and replaced by his backup, Pettit.
Backup crew
Position Crew
Commander Russia Salizhan Sharipov, RSA
Flight Engineer United States Michael Fincke, NASA

Mission parameters

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Mission objectives

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NASA astronaut Donald A. Thomas was scheduled to fly with the Expedition 6 crew as a flight engineer but was pulled due to medical concerns and replaced by his backup, Don Pettit.

The station's sixth crew was launched to the Station aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-113 in November 2002. The mission was planned to be a four-month mission that was to end in March 2003 when Atlantis STS-114 was to fly to the station with the Expedition 7 crew. The Columbia disaster, which occurred during the mission on 1 February 2003 and resulted in the indefinite suspension of shuttle flights, led to a change of plan such that the crew stayed on the station until May 2003. They returned to Earth on Soyuz TMA-1, and a reduced Expedition 7 crew with just two members was delivered to the ISS on Soyuz TMA-2. The Space Shuttle was expected to be grounded for up to two years. Ongoing logistical support for the ISS would have to be carried out by Soyuz and Progress flights until the Space Shuttle returned to flight.

The sixth crew of the International Space Station returned to Earth just after 10 p.m. EDT on 3 May 2003, the first time U.S. astronauts landed in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, though a U.S. space tourist, Dennis Tito, had done so in 2001.

Russian Mission Control reported at approximately 2:45 a.m. on 4 May that the support helicopters had reached the crew, and all three crew members were in good health. The capsule touched down approximately 276 miles (444 km) from its planned landing zone.

Spacewalks

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The Expedition 6 crew conducted two spacewalks during its stay at the International Space Station. Both were based out of the Quest Airlock, and the spacewalkers used U.S. spacesuits, which are called Extravehicular Mobility Units, or EMUs. The crew was originally scheduled to conduct only one spacewalk, but a second was added to the manifest for 8 April in order to prepare for future assembly missions.

Pettit was not initially scheduled to participate in the spacewalk but stepped in for Budarin, who was removed from the task days before due to a medical issue.[2]

The two Expedition 6 extravehicular activities bring the total number of spacewalks conducted in support of ISS assembly and maintenance to 51. Of those 51 EVA's, Twenty-six have been based out of the station, with 17 staged from Quest. Bowersox and Pettit accumulated 13 hours and 17 minutes of spacewalking time at the station.

Mission Spacewalkers Start (UTC) End (UTC) Duration
Expedition 6
EVA 1
 Ken Bowersox
Don Pettit 		15 January 2003
12:50 		15 January 2003
19:41 		6 hours, 51 minutes
Bowersox and Pettit continued outfitting and activating the International Space Station's newest component, the P1 (P-One) Truss. The P1's radiator assembly was a major focus during the spacewalk. Bowersox and Pettit released the remaining launch locks on the radiator assembly, which allowed the radiator assembly to be deployed. Other scheduled tasks completed included removing some debris that was on a sealing ring on the Unity Module's Earth-facing docking port, and they tested an ammonia reservoir on the station's P6 Truss. They were unable to complete one scheduled task—the installation of a light fixture on one of the station's Crew and Equipment Translation Aid, or CETA, carts. The fixture's attachment was rescheduled for a future spacewalk. To complete the spacewalk, Bowersox and Pettit cut away a thermal cover strap that apparently interfered with the rotation of the Quest Airlock's hatch and delayed the start of the extravehicular activity.
Expedition 6
EVA 2
 Bowersox
Pettit 		8 April 2003
12:40 		8 April 2003
19:06 		6 hours, 26 minutes
Bowersox and Pettit reconfigured cables on the S0 (S-Zero), S1 and P1 Trusses for future Integrated Truss Structure component deliveries and replaced a Power Control Module on the Mobile Transporter. They provided Control Moment Gyro No. 2 with a redundant power channel capability by rerouting cables. Then, they installed Spool Positioning Devices on Destiny Laboratory heat exchangers and reinstalled a thermal cover on an S1 Radiator Beam Valve Module. Bowersox and Pettit also unfurled a light stanchion on the CETA cart that did not unfurl properly during their first spacewalk.

Cultural references

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Expedition 6

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from Grokipedia
Expedition 6 was the sixth expedition to the (ISS), consisting of a three-person crew that resided aboard the orbital laboratory from November 25, 2002, to May 3, 2003. The crew, commanded by astronaut Kenneth D. Bowersox, included flight engineers Donald R. Pettit of and Nikolai M. Budarin of . They launched to the ISS aboard the during the mission from 's . Originally scheduled for a six-month stay with a return via shuttle, their mission was extended following the on February 1, 2003, which grounded the U.S. shuttle fleet indefinitely. As a result, Bowersox, Pettit, and Budarin became the last full three-person crew to depart the ISS until 2006 and returned to Earth aboard the Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft, landing in after a mission duration of 161 days, 1 hour, and 14 minutes. The primary objectives of Expedition 6 focused on advancing human spaceflight research through a series of experiments in medicine, materials science, plant biology, commercial biotechnology, and manufacturing processes in microgravity. Over the course of their stay, the crew activated more than 20 U.S. and international investigations, contributing to NASA's broader goals of preparing for long-duration space travel and understanding the effects of space on human health and technology. Key activities included monitoring plant growth for future space agriculture, studying protein crystal formation for pharmaceutical development, and testing advanced materials for potential Earth-based applications. Notable operational highlights included two extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, to maintain and upgrade station systems. The first EVA on January 15, 2003, lasted 6 hours and 51 minutes, during which Bowersox and Pettit installed a new pump flow control assembly on the ISS's cooling system. The second, on April 8, 2003, endured 6 hours and 26 minutes, focused on preparing the Quest for future use and stowing external equipment. Additionally, the crew managed the arrival and departure of two Russian resupply vehicles: Progress M-46 undocked on February 1, 2003, coinciding with the Columbia tragedy, while Progress M-47 docked on February 4, 2003, delivering essential cargo. The mission faced unique challenges due to the Columbia accident, which not only extended the crew's time in orbit while maintaining the three-person crew until the arrival of Expedition 7 via Soyuz TMA-2 in April 2003 but also led to the reduction of ISS crew sizes to two members for safety and resource management in subsequent expeditions starting with Expedition 8. Their return on Soyuz TMA-1 was marked by a ballistic reentry after a computer glitch, resulting in a hard landing approximately 460 kilometers off-target in the steppes of Kazakhstan, where the crew experienced forces up to 8 g and temperatures of -7°C upon touchdown. Despite these difficulties, all crew members were reported safe and in good health post-landing. Expedition 6's achievements underscored international collaboration in space exploration and provided critical data that informed subsequent ISS operations and NASA's return-to-flight preparations.

Mission Overview

Parameters

The Expedition 6 crew launched on November 23, 2002, aboard the during the mission (November 24, 00:49 UTC), and docked with the on November 25, 2002 (21:59 UTC). Expedition 6 officially began on December 2, 2002, following undocking of . The mission concluded with undocking from the ISS on May 3, 2003 (22:43 UTC) aboard Soyuz TMA-1, followed by landing on May 4, 2003 (approximately 01:45 UTC) in . The total mission duration was 161 days, 1 hour, and 14 minutes, with the crew spending 159 days, 44 minutes aboard the ISS. The three-member crew maintained continuous occupancy throughout the expedition. Arrival was facilitated by the (STS-113), while departure utilized the Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft due to the grounding of the shuttle fleet following the Columbia disaster. Orbitally, Expedition 6 completed 2,536 revolutions around Earth, traveling a distance of 107,824,795 kilometers at an inclination of 51.6 degrees. These parameters reflect the standard low Earth orbit configuration of the ISS during this period.

Objectives

The primary objectives of Expedition 6 centered on conducting microgravity research to support scientific advancement while maintaining International Space Station (ISS) operations. The crew continued integration of the P1 Integrated Truss Structure with follow-up hardware configuration and preparation for future structural expansions, to enhance the station's operational capabilities. In parallel, the mission allocated over 240 hours to investigations in human physiology, biology, and materials science, leveraging specialized facilities such as the Microgravity Science Glovebox and EXPRESS Racks to explore phenomena like muscle atrophy, cellular responses, and crystal growth processes with potential Earth-based applications. Secondary objectives emphasized sustaining station habitability, mitigating risks associated with prolonged , and laying groundwork for subsequent expeditions through operational testing and system optimizations. members performed routine to ensure environmental controls, , and remained reliable during the extended residency. These efforts also included evaluating countermeasures for long-duration effects on health, such as exercise protocols and physiological monitoring, to inform future mission designs. A key aspect of the mission was fostering international cooperation, particularly through U.S.-Russian joint operations, exemplified by the involvement of cosmonaut Nikolai Budarin in Soyuz vehicle management and collaborative experiments. This demonstrated seamless integration of multinational resources, including Russian contributions to cardiovascular and dental health studies conducted aboard the ISS. Unique to Expedition 6 was the post-handover adaptation to a long-duration stay, with early emphasis on truss-related tasks before broader extensions; the objectives were further adapted following the on February 1, 2003, which grounded the fleet and extended the mission to prioritize ongoing maintenance and research until return via Soyuz in May 2003.

Crew and Preparation

Crew Composition

Expedition 6 consisted of a three-person crew comprising astronauts from and , tasked with maintaining the (ISS) during a planned four-month residency. The team was led by astronaut Kenneth D. Bowersox as commander, with astronaut Donald R. Pettit serving as flight engineer and ISS Science Officer, and cosmonaut Nikolai M. Budarin as flight engineer and Soyuz commander. This all-male, multinational crew represented the and , reflecting the collaborative nature of ISS operations. Kenneth D. Bowersox, a U.S. captain and veteran , commanded Expedition 6 on his fifth . Selected by in 1987, Bowersox had previously flown as pilot on in 1992 and in 1993, and as commander on in 1995 and STS-94 in 1997, accumulating over 50 days in space prior to this mission. As mission commander, he held overall responsibility for crew safety, station operations, and coordination with ground control, particularly leading activities on the U.S. Orbital Segment of the ISS. Donald R. Pettit, an American chemical engineer with a Ph.D. from the , flew on his first as Expedition 6 and ISS Science Officer. Previously a staff scientist at for 12 years, Pettit was selected as an astronaut in 1996 and served as backup to the prime crew before being named to replace , who was removed due to medical issues disqualifying him from long-duration flight; this change was announced by on July 26, 2002. In his role, Pettit managed scientific experiments, operated the Canadarm2 robotic arm, and provided intravehicular support during extravehicular activities. Nikolai M. Budarin, a Russian test cosmonaut with (then RSC Energia), served as on his third , bringing extensive experience from prior long-duration missions to Russia's . A mechanical engineer by training, Budarin had flown as on Mir Principal Expedition 19 (1995, including docking) and Principal Expedition 25 (1998, including docking), during which he conducted eight spacewalks totaling more than 44 hours. As Soyuz commander, he was responsible for the operations, including docking procedures and maintenance of Russian systems. The crew's composition fostered effective multinational collaboration, with Bowersox overseeing U.S. segment tasks and Budarin handling Russian segment responsibilities, while Pettit supported joint scientific and operational efforts. This division of leadership ensured seamless integration of American and Russian expertise in a challenging environment extended by the .

Training and Assignment

The Expedition 6 prime crew was officially announced by on March 23, 2001, consisting of Kenneth D. Bowersox, Donald A. Thomas, and Nikolai M. Budarin. This assignment positioned the team for a planned long-duration stay aboard the beginning in late 2002. However, on July 26, 2002, removed Thomas from the crew due to a medical condition that disqualified him from long-duration , prompting the assignment of backup Donald R. Pettit to the prime role. Crew preparation for Expedition 6 spanned approximately 18 to 24 months, aligning with standard protocols for expeditions to ensure comprehensive readiness for multinational operations. primarily occurred at 's in , , where the U.S. members focused on station systems and procedures, and at the Cosmonaut Center in , for integrated simulations involving the full crew. These sessions emphasized joint U.S.-Russian collaboration, particularly handover protocols between incoming and outgoing expeditions to maintain continuous station operations. Core training components included familiarization with International Space Station systems, such as life support, environmental controls, and robotics; simulations of Soyuz spacecraft operations for emergency evacuation; extravehicular activity (EVA) rehearsals in neutral buoyancy labs and vacuum chambers; and drills for emergency procedures like fire suppression and decompression scenarios. Multinational elements incorporated Russian-language instruction for Bowersox and Pettit, alongside Budarin's adaptation to U.S. hardware, fostering interoperability essential for the mission's success. The backup crew, which included Pettit prior to his promotion and other designated personnel such as Carlos Noriega for the U.S. segment, underwent parallel training to provide contingency support, though the focus remained on qualifying the prime Expedition 6 members.

Launch and Assembly

STS-113 Flight

Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off on from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's in on November 23, 2002, at 7:49 p.m. EST, marking the 113th flight in NASA's and the 16th assembly mission to the (ISS). The mission's primary objectives included delivering the Port 1 (P1) Truss segment—a 45-foot-long, 14-ton structure—to extend the ISS's backbone and facilitating the crew exchange for Expedition 6. Endeavour docked to the 2 (PMA-2) on the ISS two days later, on November 25, 2002, at 4:59 p.m. EST, enabling the transfer of personnel and cargo. The STS-113 crew consisted of seven members: Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Paul S. Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, John B. Herrington, Kenneth D. Bowersox (incoming Expedition 6 commander), Donald R. Pettit (incoming Expedition 6 flight engineer), and Nikolai M. Budarin (incoming Expedition 6 flight engineer). Following docking, the shuttle crew initiated handover procedures with the outgoing Expedition 5 members, transferring command of the station and preparing for joint operations. The P1 Truss was transferred from Endeavour's payload bay to the station's robotic arm (Canadarm2) on flight day 4 and bolted into place on the port side of the S0 Truss during the first of three scheduled extravehicular activities (EVAs). Herrington and Lopez-Alegria conducted the EVAs, with assistance from Wetherbee and Lockhart operating the shuttle's , to connect power, data, and cooling lines to the new segment, enhancing the ISS's structural and control capabilities. These activities spanned approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes for the first EVA, focusing on truss attachment and initial outfitting. The mission concluded with undocking on December 2, 2002, at 3:50 p.m. EST, after which Endeavour performed a flyaround of the station for and separated for reentry. Overall, lasted 13 days, 18 hours, and 48 minutes, landing at on December 7, 2002, at 2:37 p.m. EST.

Docking and Handover

The Expedition 6 crew, consisting of Commander Kenneth D. Bowersox, Flight Engineer Nikolai M. Budarin, and Donald R. Pettit, arrived at the (ISS) aboard () on November 25, 2002, following a docking at the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 at 20:59 UTC. This event marked the beginning of their integration into station operations, overlapping with the outgoing Expedition 5 crew of Commander Valery G. Korzun, Peggy A. Whitson, and Sergei Y. Treschev for approximately seven days to ensure a seamless transition. During this period, the combined crews conducted joint operations focused on familiarizing the incoming team with the station's systems and ongoing activities. Handover activities commenced immediately after hatch opening on November 26, 2002, and culminated in the formal transfer of ISS command from Whitson to Bowersox on November 27, 2002 (Flight Day 5 of ). Key tasks included comprehensive systems checks, such as troubleshooting the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) valve and verifying the Microgravity Science Glovebox functionality, alongside detailed briefings on active experiments and maintenance procedures. The crews also transferred over 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg) of supplies, , and scientific payloads from Endeavour to the ISS, including water, food, clothing, and hardware for ongoing research in areas like human physiology and . These efforts ensured continuity in station operations and minimized disruptions during the crew swap. A major component of the docked phase involved the installation and activation of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, delivered by , which expanded the ISS's port truss from 89 feet (27 m) to 134 feet (41 m) and enhanced power generation and radiator cooling capabilities by adding four solar array wings and associated systems. Three extravehicular activities (EVAs) totaling nearly 20 hours—conducted on November 26, 28, and 30, 2002—facilitated the truss's attachment to the S0 segment, utility connections, and radiator deployment, performed by shuttle mission specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and John B. Herrington. As Expedition 5 prepared for departure, the incoming crew acclimated to microgravity routines, including daily exercise protocols and orientation to the updated station layout. Endeavour undocked from the ISS on December 2, 2002, at 20:50 UTC, carrying the Expedition 5 crew back to Earth, where they landed at on December 7, 2002, after a 13-day mission extended due to weather delays. With the handover complete, Expedition 6 assumed full control of the station, now configured with the newly added P1 truss supporting enhanced operational capacity for their approximately 160-day residency. The Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft, docked since its arrival in April 2002, remained as the emergency lifeboat for the new crew.

In-Flight Operations

Daily Routine

The crew of Expedition 6 adhered to a standard operational schedule typical of missions during that era, featuring 16-hour workdays that alternated with 8-hour rest periods to balance productivity and recovery. This structure included wake-up times around 6:00 a.m. , followed by personal hygiene, breakfast, and a daily planning conference with ground control teams. Work periods encompassed maintenance, scientific tasks, and exercise, with three meals integrated throughout the day and sleep commencing after evening debriefs. Weekends were reserved for lighter duties such as housecleaning and voluntary station upkeep, providing brief respites from the intensive nominal operations. Maintenance duties formed a core component of the routine, with the crew conducting regular monitoring of systems, including air quality, pressure, and filtration units, as well as electrical repairs and inventory management to ensure station functionality. Nikolai Budarin, as the Soyuz commander, primarily handled operations in the Russian segment, such as hardware installations in the Zvezda module and coordination of resupply vehicle activities. These tasks were distributed to prevent system failures. Communication with ground control was a fixed element, involving daily planning conferences with NASA's in and the Russian TsUP in Korolev to review progress, adjust schedules, and address anomalies. These sessions, typically held via S-band audio links, lasted about 15-30 minutes and included payload operations coordination through the Marshall Space Flight Center's Payload Operations Center. Media interactions were limited, consisting of occasional news conferences, such as one on February 14, 2003, to share mission updates with the public. Health monitoring emphasized countermeasures against microgravity effects, with each crew member dedicating approximately 2 hours daily to exercise on the and cycle ergometer to mitigate loss and . These sessions were tracked for physiological data, including and performance metrics, as part of broader wellness protocols. Psychological support was provided through delayed video family conferences and private journaling, helping maintain mental resilience during the extended isolation. Specific scientific experiments, such as those on lung function and , were occasionally integrated into this routine for dual operational and research purposes.

Scientific Research

During Expedition 6, the crew conducted 20 scientific investigations, comprising both new and ongoing experiments in human life sciences, materials science, biotechnology, and plant biology, aligning with broader mission objectives to advance understanding of microgravity effects. These efforts utilized key facilities such as the Human Research Facility (HRF) for physiological studies, the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) for contained experiments, and EXPRESS racks for modular payload operations, with the crew allocating over 240 hours to research activities. Data collection methods included real-time video imaging, environmental sensors, ground-commanded telescience, and sample preservation for return via Soyuz spacecraft, enabling detailed analysis of microgravity impacts on biological and physical systems. Prominent U.S. experiments focused on human adaptation to long-duration , particularly cardiovascular changes and fluid shifts within the body using the HRF. The Pulmonary Function in Flight (PuFF) investigation measured lung volumes and via the HRF's Gas Analyzer System, revealing how microgravity alters respiratory mechanics and contributes to post-flight . Complementary HRF studies, such as Foot/Ground Reaction Forces (FOOT) and Renal Stone Risk, assessed lower-body musculoskeletal loading and urinary chemistry to quantify bone demineralization and stone formation risks, respectively, through periodic crew measurements and urine sample collections. In biological research, the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) facility supported plant growth experiments, examining seedling development and in microgravity to inform sustainable food production for future missions. Materials science efforts included boiling dynamics in the Zeolite Crystal Growth (ZEUS) furnace within EXPRESS Rack 2, where crew monitored crystal formation under reduced gravity to enhance zeolite properties for industrial catalysts and filtration applications. Russian contributions encompassed investigations on the Russian Orbital Segment, including the Plasma Crystal (Plazmennyi Kristall) experiment, which utilized specialized plasma chambers and telescience to observe dust particle self-organization into crystalline structures, providing insights into plasma physics for semiconductor manufacturing. Other Russian studies, such as Parodont for periodontal tissue responses and Kardio-ODNT for cardiac function via electrocardiography, complemented U.S. human research efforts. Overall, the 20 investigations yielded preliminary data on long-duration physiological effects, including fluid redistribution leading to cardiovascular adaptations, without major breakthroughs but establishing foundational datasets for countermeasure development in subsequent expeditions. Some experiments were temporarily paused or reprioritized during the mission's extension from four to six months following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, prioritizing station maintenance while preserving core science objectives.

Key Events and Contingencies

Columbia Disaster Extension

On February 1, 2003, the disintegrated during reentry over and , killing all seven crew members aboard and grounding the entire shuttle fleet indefinitely. The (CAIB) report detailed how debris from the left wing, damaged during launch by foam insulation, led to the vehicle's breakup, with extensive analysis delaying NASA's return-to-flight certification until 2005. This tragedy profoundly altered Expedition 6 operations, as the crew—Kenneth D. Bowersox, Donald R. Pettit, and Nikolai M. Budarin—had been scheduled to return via on in early 2003 after approximately four months aboard the (ISS). The mission, originally planned to end around March 2003, was extended to 161 days, with the crew undocking on May 3, 2003, aboard the Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft originally intended as an emergency escape vehicle. Soyuz TMA-1 became their designated return vehicle, marking a shift to Russian spacecraft for crew transport amid the shuttle hiatus. Operationally, the disaster constrained resupply efforts, as shuttle missions had been the primary means of delivering large cargo volumes to the ISS. A Russian Progress M-47 uncrewed cargo vehicle, launched February 2, 2003, successfully docked to the Zvezda module's aft port on February 4, providing about 2,500 kilograms of food, water, oxygen, fuel, and equipment to sustain the crew. Without shuttle support, supplies were rationed to extend resources, limiting non-essential consumption and prioritizing mission-critical needs, which heightened operational caution. This reduced resupply cadence increased psychological strain, compounded by the crew being informed of the on February 1, 2003, shortly after it occurred, leaving them isolated from some global events. The Expedition 6 responded to the news with shock and grief, with commander Bowersox describing his initial reaction as feeling "numb" and struggling to process the loss of colleagues he knew personally. Amplified emotions from prolonged isolation prompted to provide ground-based psychological support, including regular sessions with specialists to address grief and stress. Despite the strain, the maintained through structured daily exercise, continued scientific work, and mutual support, focusing on station and experiments to affirm the value of . The launch of Expedition 7 was delayed accordingly, with Yuri I. Malenchenko, T. Lu, and arriving on Soyuz TMA-2 on April 26, 2003, enabling a handover before Expedition 6's departure.

Spacewalk Activities

During Expedition 6, the crew conducted two extravehicular activities (EVAs) from the to perform maintenance and assembly tasks on the (ISS), contributing to the overall station outfitting and power system enhancements. The EVAs utilized U.S. Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) for mobility and life support, with preparations involving airlock depressurization and tool setup in the Quest module, supported by real-time ground monitoring through Ku-band video feeds. These activities totaled 13 hours and 17 minutes, marking the first U.S.-led EVAs since the program's temporary halt following the Columbia disaster. The first EVA occurred on January 15, 2003, with Kenneth D. Bowersox serving as the extravehicular crewmember 1 (EV1) and Donald R. Pettit as EV2, lasting 6 hours and 51 minutes. Primary objectives included deploying the P1 truss radiator system by releasing its 10 launch restraints, installing a connector and converter on the Unity module's (CBM) to remove grit buildup, and inspecting the P6 solar array for potential damage. Bowersox and Pettit also positioned a light and on the Crew Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) cart for future mobility and measured the ammonia reservoir levels on the P1 truss to ensure thermal control system integrity. The spacewalk began after resolving a minor hatch strap issue during depressurization, originally planned earlier but delayed due to crew medical considerations. The second EVA took place on April 8, 2003, again with Bowersox as EV1 and Pettit as EV2, enduring 6 hours and 26 minutes amid the mission's extension. This spacewalk focused on reconfiguring power and data cables across the S0, S1, and P1 trusses to support upcoming assembly tasks, including rerouting Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) cables and inspecting P1 truss heater shrouds for thermal performance. Key hardware interactions involved replacing a Remote Power Controller Module on the P1 truss and installing a power relay assembly on the Mobile Transporter to enhance station power distribution redundancy. The crew also freed a jammed stanchion on the CETA cart using a specialized tool, ensuring safe translation paths for future EVAs. Ground teams provided procedural guidance via Ku-band, adapting to the extended timeline imposed by the Columbia incident.

Return and Legacy

Undocking and Landing

The Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft undocked from the Pirs docking module of the at 22:43 UTC on May 3, 2003, carrying Expedition 6 commander Kenneth Bowersox, flight engineer Nikolai Budarin, and NASA science officer after a 161-day mission. The separation initiated the return phase, with the crew having completed handover briefings to the incoming Expedition 7 members—Yuri Malenchenko and Edward Lu—who had arrived via Soyuz TMA-2 on April 28, 2003, ensuring continuity of station operations during the post-Columbia transition to smaller crews. Approximately two hours and thirty minutes after undocking, at 01:12 UTC on May 4, the deorbit burn was performed to commit the vehicle to Earth's atmosphere. During reentry, a malfunction in the spacecraft's attitude control system caused Soyuz TMA-1 to deviate from its nominal lifting reentry profile and adopt a ballistic , resulting in a steeper atmospheric descent. This led to peak decelerations of approximately 8 g, significantly higher than the standard 4-5 g experienced in controlled entries. The descent module touched down at 02:04 UTC in the arid steppe of northern , about 460 kilometers (286 miles) short of the planned landing zone near due to the ballistic path and subsequent high winds affecting deployment. Russian search-and-recovery teams located the capsule approximately two hours after and extracted the , who were reported in good overall health despite the rough touchdown that caused the vehicle to bounce on impact. Initial medical evaluations at a temporary facility confirmed no serious injuries, though the underwent further quarantine and rehabilitation assessments in , over the following weeks. This marked the first reentry of the upgraded vehicle, highlighting early operational challenges in its guidance systems.

Post-Mission Impact

Expedition 6's extended duration, lasting 161 days due to the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, demonstrated the International Space Station (ISS) program's resilience by maintaining continuous human presence and operations without U.S. shuttle support. The mission's data on resource management and crew health during the prolonged stay informed subsequent adjustments to crew size limits—reducing to two-person rotations—and resupply strategies reliant on Russian Progress spacecraft, ensuring ISS sustainability until the shuttle's return-to-flight in 2005. No major system failures occurred, validating the Soyuz spacecraft's role as a reliable lifeboat for emergency evacuations and extended habitation. The crew returned in good health following their Soyuz TMA-1 reentry on May 4, 2003, despite a ballistic caused by a computer glitch, undergoing standard post-flight rehabilitation without reported complications. Commander Kenneth Bowersox retired from and the U.S. in 2006 after serving as director of the Johnson Space Center's Flight Crew Operations Directorate. Donald continued his career, returning to the ISS as a for Expeditions 30 and 31 from 2011 to July 2012, and again for a mission spanning 2024 to April 2025, accumulating over 590 days in space across four long-duration expeditions. Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin, a veteran of three long-duration missions, retired from active cosmonaut duties but remained affiliated with the Russian Federal Space Agency's programs at RSC Energia. The mission underscored U.S.-Russia cooperation amid crisis, as Russian Soyuz and Progress vehicles provided the sole means of crew transport and logistics for the ISS partnership from February 2003 onward, sustaining operations during the 29-month shuttle grounding. This reliance influenced NASA's policies on international dependencies, contributing to the shuttle program's eventual safe return-to-flight with in July 2005 and shaping future contingency planning for . Expedition 6 addressed critical knowledge gaps in missions exceeding five months, with its incident-free execution affirming the viability of Soyuz for lifeboat functions in prolonged orbital stays.

References

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  18. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/508318main_iss_ref_guide_nov2010.pdf
  19. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20030068508
  20. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20020090794
  21. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/167746main_fs_livingandworkinginspace508c.pdf
  22. https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/station/2003/iss03-7.html
  23. https://pulmonary.ucsd.edu/research/labs-centers/nasa/gallery/international-space-station.html
  24. https://www.spacefacts.de/iss/english/exp_6.htm
  25. https://www.nasa.gov/history/20-years-ago-remembering-columbia-and-her-crew/
  26. https://www.spaceline.org/united-states-manned-space-flight/international-space-station-expedition-missions-index/iss-expedition-6-fact-sheet/
  27. https://spaceref.com/status-report/progress-m-47-docks-with-international-space-station/
  28. https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/expedition-6-status-reports/
  29. https://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0302/02progress/
  30. https://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/02/11/sprj.colu.station.interview/
  31. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/feb/23/spaceexploration.columbia
  32. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/walking-to-olympus_tagged.pdf
  33. https://www.russianspaceweb.com/iss_soyuztma1.html
  34. https://www.russianspaceweb.com/iss_soyuztma2.html
  35. https://weebau.com/flights/soyuztma1.htm
  36. https://spaceref.com/status-report/rsc-energia-technical-board-reviewing-the-causes-of-ballistic-mode-reentry-of-soyuz-tma-1/
  37. https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Cervantes_Mission/New_Soyuz_TMA_spacecraft_cleared_for_next_mission_with_ESA_astronaut
  38. http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/05/03/soyuz.homecoming/index.html
  39. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/management_iss_lessons_learned_as_applied_to_exploration.pdf
  40. https://www.nasa.gov/people/kenneth-bowersox/
  41. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-astronaut-don-pettit-crewmates-complete-space-station-expedition/
  42. http://www.astronautix.com/b/budarin.html
  43. https://commdocs.house.gov/committees/science/hsy87546.000/hsy87546_0f.htm
  44. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/iss_lessons_learned.pdf
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