In a remarkable achievement, Air Force Major Nichole Ayers has successfully embarked on her first mission to space, piloting NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission. The mission aims to bring back two NASA astronauts currently stationed on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024.
Ayers, who completed two years of initial astronaut training in 2024, took to the skies aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, propelling the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. She is joined on this historic journey by Army Colonel Anne McClain, who serves as mission commander, along with Takuya Onishi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.
The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on March 15, 2025, following a swift 28.5-hour journey traveling at an impressive speed of 17,000 mph. The crew is slated to undock shortly and return to Kennedy Space Center, marking a significant moment for NASA and the international space community.
With over 200 combat hours during Operation Inherent Resolve and more than 1,400 flight hours in advanced military aircraft, including the T-38 Talon and F-22 Raptor, Ayers brings a wealth of experience to her debut spaceflight. Previously stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, she served in various roles before receiving her call to join NASA four years ago.
Reflecting on her journey, Ayers emphasized the parallels between military training and the challenges of space travel. “Most of my training has been in the operational realm; learning to make split-second decisions under intense pressure is a skill we learn as Air Force pilots. Training for missions to the ISS is no different,” she stated. “We are well-trained and prepared for any contingency along the way.”
Ayers also highlighted the importance of teamwork in high-pressure environments, a lesson she believes is vital for success aboard the ISS. “Taking care of your teammates in adverse environments is something every airman learns throughout their career. My time in the Air Force prepared me well for this mission,” she remarked.
Growing up during the shuttle era, Ayers was inspired to pursue a career as a pilot and astronaut. “As a child, I always loved flying and space… Representing the Air Force as we embark on our mission to the ISS is truly special and one of my greatest honors,” Ayers said.
What resonates most with Ayers are the relationships and bonds formed throughout her career. She believes that the people involved in any mission ultimately define its success. “Take care of your people, and they will take care of the mission. Crew-10 is made up of some of the most intelligent, efficient, and caring people I’ve ever worked with,” she noted.
As she approaches this new chapter in her career, Ayers remains focused on her future while cherishing the lessons and relationships that have shaped her journey. “If you are a good team player and willing to work hard, you’ll get anywhere you want in this life,” she advised. “Find something you are passionate about, work hard at it, take care of others, and be a good human along the way, and you’ll be unstoppable.”
The successful execution of Crew-10 represents another step forward for NASA and highlights the contributions of military personnel to the expanding horizons of space exploration. As Major Ayers prepares for her return, her story serves as an inspiring reminder of dedication and the spirit of teamwork in overcoming challenges, both on Earth and beyond.