Frank Rubio, currently on a year-long mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has achieved a remarkable milestone in space exploration. Today, he surpassed NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei’s previous U.S. record of 355 days in space, officially becoming the American with the longest single spaceflight.
371 DAYS ABOARD THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
As he prepares to return to Earth at the end of this month, Rubio will have spent an impressive 371 days in space. This achievement highlights the dedication and endurance of astronauts who have continuously lived and worked aboard the ISS for over 22 years. Their efforts have involved testing cutting-edge technologies, conducting groundbreaking scientific research, and honing the skills necessary for future deep-space exploration.
FROM MIAMI TO THE STARS: THE LIFE AND CAREER OF DR. FRANK RUBIO
Dr. Frank Rubio was selected by NASA to join the Astronaut Candidate Class of 2017. His historic journey began on September 21, 2022, when he launched aboard Soyuz MS-22. Upon his return in September 2023, he will hold the record for the longest single-duration spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.
Rubio’s journey into space is an inspiring tale of determination and accomplishment. Born in Los Angeles, California, he considers Miami, Florida, his hometown. He is happily married to Deborah Rubio, and the couple is proud parents of four children. In addition to his family, his mother, Myrna Argueta, resides in El Salvador.
Education has been a cornerstone of Rubio’s life. He graduated from Miami Sunset Senior High School in Miami, Florida. Subsequently, he earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. His dedication to learning continued as he pursued a Doctorate of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. Rubio completed his Family Medicine Residency at Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia.
Before embarking on his medical career, Rubio served as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot, accumulating over 1,100 flight hours, including more than 600 hours in combat zones during deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He is a board-certified family physician and flight surgeon, and at the time of his selection by NASA, he was serving in the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colorado.
In addition to his military experience, Rubio’s background includes being a member of the West Point Parachute Team, known as the “Black Knights.” He holds the prestigious title of Jumpmaster with over 650 freefall skydives and carries PRO-rating and a D-license. Rubio’s leadership roles in the U.S. Army included serving as a platoon leader in A Company, 2-82nd Assault Aviation (REDHAWKS), and as a company commander in A Company, 2-3rd Aviation (STORM). He also served as a clinic supervisor, an executive medicine provider, and a flight surgeon at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
FROM MIAMI TO THE STARS: THE LIFE AND CAREER OF DR. FRANK RUBIO
Since joining NASA in August 2017, Rubio has undergone two years of rigorous training as an Astronaut Candidate. He trained as a flight engineer and became an integral member of the Expedition 68 crew. Rubio, alongside cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin of Roscosmos, embarked on their journey to the ISS on September 21, 2022, aboard the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. His return to Earth in September 2023 will mark the culmination of his extraordinary mission with the longest single duration spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Among his numerous accolades and honours, Rubio has been awarded the Bronze Star (second award), Meritorious Service Medal (second award), Army Commendation Medal (fourth award), and Army Achievement Medal (fourth award). He is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College, US Army Aviation Captain’s Career Course and Officer Basic Course, Joint Firepower Control Course, Cavalry Leader’s Course, and the US Army Flight Surgeon Course. His achievements also include earning the US Army Senior Aviator, Pathfinder, Air Assault, and Airborne badges.
Frank Rubio’s record-setting journey in space exemplifies the dedication, resilience, and excellence that astronauts bring to their missions. The dedication pushes the boundaries of human exploration and inspiring future generations.
