Astronaut Scott Kelly returned to Earth this week after setting a U.S record for the longest continuous stay in space.
Earlier this week, Kelly's spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station and descended into the Kazakhstan desert.
Kelly said he hasn’t fully grasped the magnitude of his yearlong adventure in the skies.
“I’ve been really busy since I got back, so I don’t think it’s really hit me yet,” said Kelly.
NASA says Kelly’s trip is already providing indispensable research. Scientists are studying how Scott Kelly's body reacted to his extended spaceflight, comparing him to his identical twin brother, retired astronaut Mark Kelly.
Scott Kelly says he temporarily grew 1 1/2 inches while in space. His vision also changed and his skin is more sensitive. NASA researchers will continue to monitor the twins over the coming year.
Scott Kelly traveled more than 140-million miles through space, witnessing more than 10,000 sunrises and sunsets. He frequently snapped and shared photos of the planet on social media.
He hopes his year in space will pave the way for future astronauts to travel to Mars and beyond.
“I think we know enough and I think we’re close enough that if we made the choice, ‘Hey ,we’re going to do this, we’re going to set a goal, we’re going to set a time,’ Yeah I think we can do it,” said Kelly.
Kelly's stay at the International Space Station was 340 days.