Marking an end to one mission on board the International Space Station, the six men from Expedition 40 said their farewells on Wednesday (September 10).

(SOUNDBITE) (English) EXPEDITION 40 COMMANDER STEVEN SWANSON SAYING:

"Welcome to the end of increment 40. We've accomplished a lot, we've had a lot of fun"

Swanson also highlighted some of the team's key achievements, which included setting the record for the number of hours of science in one week. He finished his speech by handing over control to Expedition 41 Commander Max Suraev:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) EXPEDITION 41 COMMANDER MAX SURAEV SAYING:

"Thank you very much and welcome to Increment 41."

Suraev promised that the new crew, which includes three from Expedition 40 who have remained on board, would do their best to continue the great work.

Swanson and cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev said their final goodbyes before the hatches were closed. After 169 days working together