Record-breaking astronaut Peggy Whitson has finally returned to Earth, closing the book on a chapter of space history that will provide inspiration for many for years to come.
The Soyuz MS-04 spacecraft landed safely near Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan on Sunday, carrying Whitson as well as commander Fyodor Yurchikhin of Roscosmos, and NASA flight engineer Jack Fischer.
After accumulating 534 days, 2 hours, and 49 minutes of time in space, Whitson officially broke the previous record for the most time spent in space, previously held by NASA's Jeff Williams. In total, Whitson has spent 665 days in space, according to NASA, putting her at number eight on the all-time space endurance list.
The landing of the three astronauts was broadcast live on YouTube, after which the three were shown in their gear, relaxing in a set of chairs and breathing in Earth's air for the first time in months.
