In a galactic greeting that would make any sci-fi fan proud, NASA astronaut Nick Hague donned an alien mask to welcome SpaceX Crew-10 to the International Space Station on March 16, 2025.

This cosmic costume caper took place right after Crew-10's capsule, aptly named Endurance, docked at the ISS, marking an occasion as festive as a space prom. Hague’s extraterrestrial welcome not only underscored the astronauts’ tradition of playful costumes but also highlighted the camaraderie between the two crews as Crew-9 prepared to return to Earth after nearly a year of orbiting the planet. As Hague floated around in his alien getup, he brought a touch of whimsy to what is otherwise a serious mission, proving that even in space, a little fun can go a long way.

The Crew-10 capsule made its way to the ISS after launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where we can only assume they also had a very different launch party—no inflatable aliens or streamers this time. But perhaps they saved that for later, when they could actually drink without the worry of floating chips flying around and ruining their space suits.

Once the hatch opened at exactly 1:35 a.m. EDT, Crew-10 members Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov made their grand entrance. It wasn’t quite like the debut of a famous musician, but in the vast emptiness of space, it might have been the closest thing to a chart-topping hit. Meanwhile, Hague's mask added a certain creepiness that one might expect during a late-night horror movie, if, of course, that movie was set in a zero-gravity environment.

While the newcomers got acquainted with their space surroundings, Hague continued to float about in his alien mask. One could say he embodied the spirit of interstellar hospitality—awkward but welcoming. The sight must have been both bewildering and amusing for Crew-10, who likely anticipated scientific discussions rather than an alien who just wanted to chat about the weather on Mars or the latest trends in space fashion.

Humor aboard the ISS isn't just spontaneous; it's an established tradition. Astronauts often transform into everything from superheroes to well-known characters, especially during notable occasions like Halloween. Given this history of silliness, Hague’s alien mask wasn't merely a gag but rather another act in the comedic play that is life above our atmosphere. As Hague told mission control during the morning chatter, 'Space is serious business, but you can’t take yourselves too seriously up here.'

The Crew-9 astronauts, consisting of Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, have been on the ISS since June 2024. With the arrival of Crew-10 on March 16, 2025, their departure is expected to be as early as Wednesday following the arrival of the new crew. It's a strange reality: stepping into a new environment while others shuffle off to what many would call 'home,' though no doubt all appreciated the chance to practice the fine art of awkward farewells in zero gravity.

Suni Williams, whose remarks to mission control reflected the positivity of the day, chimed in, saying, 'It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive.' While this nearly encapsulates the universal joy of a reunion, it somehow felt more profound when experienced through the comforting void of space—a place where laughter echoes even when there's no sound.

As the two crews merged, a level of professional jostling could be observed, reminiscent of a workplace break room. Hague, wearing an alien mask, floated around the ISS, providing genuine motivation for those remaining in their suits. They attempted not to float away with euphoria despite the upcoming return to Earth's more mundane concerns.

In a microcosm of interplay—constructive, celebratory, and occasionally slapstick—the ISS community shows that even amidst rigorous science, humanity finds room to breathe, chuckle, and, yes, wear hats that would terrify most in ordinary life. The camaraderie is palpable, proving that astronauts' professional exploits transcend mere technology and resilience.

As Crew-10 starts their mission aboard the ISS, they know they’re joining a community that alternates between hard work and hilarious distractions. And as for Hague, he's surely polishing his galaxy-themed routines for halfway through the year when, inevitably, more new faces will arrive, bringing with them fresh opportunities for absurdity. After all, who wouldn't want to be greeted by a beaming alien wearing a goofy smile while surrounded by metal and science?

So as the world watches, intrigued by what these astronauts will accomplish next, we must tip our hats—not our masks—to them. Because whether it’s celebrating accomplishments, fostering friendships, or simply wearing an alien mask while floating around, it’s clear humor knows no bounds, even in the great expanse of space.