INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (WSYR-TV) -- Syracuse native astronaut Jeanette Epps and her Crew-8 crewmates gave formal farewell remarks Thursday as their mission aboard the International Space Station approaches its end.
NASA has not set a final date for Epps and her mates' departure, but it could happen as soon as this Sunday.
The farewell event began with astronaut Sunita Williams saying, "On behalf of Expeditions 70, 71, and 72, I just wanted to thank Crew-8 for all of the hard work that you've put in for the last number of months that has just been extraordinary and the fun you've brought to the International Space Station."
When Epps had a chance to speak, she said: "I second all of the thank yous to all the mission controls on the ground and all the team that supported us while we've spent 220 days here."
"I'd also like to thank my family, particularly my twin sister Janet and Brian for holding the fort while I've been away for seven and a half months."
Epps, a newbie in space, also heard remarks from the veteran astronaut she traveled with, Michael Barratt.
"One of my pleasures is watching new people fly," he said. "It's been an honor to fly with Matt and Jeanette and Sasha."
Matthew Dominick and Alexander "Sasha" Grebenkin are the other two members of Crew-8.
"Let me just tell you guys that not a lot happens in space that you haven't seen during these last 220 days," said Barratt.
The remarks ended with Sunita Williams saying: "We're going to miss you guys. Fair winds, following seas, soft landings. Love you."
Epps, a Syracuse native, graduated from Corcoran High School and Le Moyne College.
This mission began when Epps took off on March 4. NewsChannel 9 was the only local news organization to cover the launch from the Kennedy Space Center.