Four astronauts returned to Earth on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, marking the successful conclusion of the NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles at 8:34 a.m. PDT, ending a 237-day residency aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The crew included NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. Since launching on Feb. 13, 2026, the team traveled more than 100 million miles and completed 3,792 orbits around the Earth.
Mission Achievements and Scientific Research
During their eight months in orbit, the Crew-12 team conducted scientific investigations to advance human health and prepare for deep-space exploration. Key research highlights included:
- Human Health Studies: Testing stem cell production for therapies and analyzing the effects of microgravity on cardiovascular health.
- Advanced Technology: Demonstrating on-demand intravenous (IV) fluid generation to support future missions to the Moon and Mars.
- Biological Research: Studying the impact of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections on cardiovascular tissue in space.
- Station Maintenance: Performing critical upkeep, including the decommissioning of the aging Nanoracks External Platform.
Spacewalks and Operational Milestones
The mission featured significant extravehicular activity (EVA). NASA astronaut Jessica Meir completed four spacewalks, bringing her career total to seven. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot made history by completing three spacewalks, becoming the first French woman to perform an EVA outside the orbital laboratory.
The Crew-12 team departed the ISS following the arrival of the Crew-13 mission, which docked on Oct. 1, 2026. This transition ensures the station remains fully staffed for ongoing research.
Post-Flight Recovery
After splashdown, SpaceX recovery teams retrieved the Crew Dragon capsule, “Freedom,” from the water. The astronauts underwent medical screenings before being transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The crew will now begin a 45-day conditioning process to help their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity.
Mission Quick Facts
- Launch Date: Feb. 13, 2026
- Total Time in Orbit: 237 days
- Total Distance Traveled: Over 100 million miles
- Orbits Completed: 3,792
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew for their dedication and the collaborative effort between NASA, SpaceX, and international partners. A formal post-mission news conference is scheduled for Oct. 15 at the Johnson Space Center to discuss the mission’s findings.
