'Alien' encounter: ISS crew member plays joke as SpaceX team arrives

In a lighthearted moment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Russian cosmonaut Ivan Vagner welcomed the arriving Crew-10 astronauts with an "alien" encounter. During the live stream of the docking on March 16, 2025, Vagner appeared to greet the new crew members in an unexpected way, donning a costume and seemingly startling them. The incident was interpreted as a playful joke by the seasoned cosmonaut, providing a humorous and memorable moment as the Crew-10 team joined their colleagues on the orbiting laboratory. The video of the encounter quickly gained attention, showcasing the camaraderie and spirit of adventure that exists among the international crew members of the ISS. While the "alien" appearance may have initially surprised the arriving astronauts, the event underscores the close-knit and collaborative nature of the space station's operations, where international cooperation and a sense of levity are valued alongside the serious scientific work being conducted.