Frank Rubio, born on December 11, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, overcame challenging beginnings to achieve remarkable success12. Raised by a teenage single mother from El Salvador, Rubio was initially sent to live with his grandmother due to the difficulties his mother faced3. Despite these early challenges, Rubio excelled academically and athletically, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in international relations from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point24. During his time at West Point, Rubio embraced numerous opportunities, joining the cycling team, becoming scuba qualified, and participating in the parachute team3. This diverse range of experiences laid the foundation for his future career and exemplified his drive to make the most of every opportunity presented to him.

Frank Rubio was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class, reporting for duty in August of that year2. His training was rigorous and multifaceted, encompassing five key areas: International Space Station systems, spacewalk techniques, robotics, Russian language, and T-38 jet piloting3. Despite his extensive experience as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot with over 1,100 flight hours, Rubio found learning to fly the T-38 Talon particularly challenging, requiring months of simulator practice to master3. His diverse background as a West Point graduate, Army doctor, and combat veteran uniquely prepared him for the demands of astronaut training23. Rubio's selection and subsequent training highlight NASA's commitment to recruiting individuals with varied skill sets and experiences to contribute to space exploration efforts.

Frank Rubio's historic 371-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was marked by unexpected challenges and significant scientific contributions. Originally scheduled for a six-month stay, Rubio's mission was extended when a micrometeorite impact caused a coolant leak in the Soyuz capsule intended for their return5. Despite this setback, Rubio and his fellow crew members conducted dozens of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations3. During his time on the ISS, Rubio completed 5,963 orbits of Earth, contributing to our understanding of long-duration space missions and their effects on human physiology4. Upon his return to Earth on September 27, 2023, Rubio expressed his eagerness to reunite with his family and enjoy the simple pleasures of being back on solid ground5.

Expedition 68, the 68th long-duration mission to the International Space Station, began on September 29, 2022, and concluded on March 28, 2023, lasting 180 days, 2 hours, and 23 minutes2. The mission involved a crew of 7-11 members and included six extravehicular activities (EVAs) totaling 41 hours and 51 minutes2. During this expedition, the crew conducted research investigations focused on biology, Earth science, and human research1. The mission faced unexpected challenges, including a coolant leak discovered on the docked Soyuz MS-22 vehicle in December 2022, which led to changes in crew manifests and the launch of an uncrewed Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft in February 20232. Despite these complications, Expedition 68 successfully continued the ongoing scientific work aboard the International Space Station, contributing to our understanding of long-duration space missions and their effects on human physiology.