Image Courtesy: NASA

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts have returned safely to Earth after spending 237 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), completing a mission that covered more than 100 million miles and supported scientific research for future space exploration.

The Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles at 8:34 a.m. PDT on October 8, 2026. Recovery teams aboard specialized SpaceX vessels retrieved the capsule and brought the crew aboard for medical evaluations.

During their time in orbit, the astronauts completed more than 3,792 revolutions around Earth. Meir and Fedyaev returned to space for their second missions, while Hathaway and Adenot completed their first spaceflights. The crew launched on February 13 and docked with the space station the following day.

The mission included experiments designed to improve astronaut health and support future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. Researchers investigated the production of stem cells in microgravity, technology for manufacturing intravenous fluids on demand, and the potential connection between pneumonia-causing bacteria and lasting heart damage.

Other studies examined nutrition in space and how individual physical characteristics influence blood flow in microgravity. These investigations could help scientists develop better ways to protect astronauts during extended missions far from Earth, where access to medical facilities and supplies is limited.

Crew-12 also achieved important milestones in spacewalking. Meir completed four spacewalks during the mission, bringing her career total to seven and placing her third among NASA women for the most spacewalks. Adenot completed three spacewalks, becoming the first French woman to venture outside the International Space Station.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew and the thousands of people across NASA, SpaceX, and international partner organizations who supported the mission. He emphasized that building experience in long-duration spaceflight is essential for expanding human exploration beyond Earth.

NASA plans to host a news conference with the returning astronauts on October 15 at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they are expected to discuss their experiences and scientific achievements.