NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission returned to Earth on October 8, bringing four astronauts home after 237 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft Freedom splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles. The crew comprised NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
During their stay in orbit, the astronauts travelled more than 100 million miles and conducted scientific research in the station’s microgravity environment. Their work contributed to ongoing investigations into human health, biological processes and technologies relevant to future space missions.
Crew-12 launched on February 13, 2026, as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, which uses privately operated spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. The mission supported the station’s research and operational activities alongside other international crew members.
The return involved the Dragon capsule undocking from the station before making its journey through Earth’s atmosphere and deploying parachutes for a controlled splashdown. Recovery teams retrieved the spacecraft and assisted the astronauts after landing.
The crew’s 237-day mission extended beyond the usual duration of some ISS expeditions. Their return also marked the completion of a period of scientific work involving astronauts from the United States, France and Russia.
Following their return, the astronauts will undergo post-flight medical assessments as they readjust to Earth’s gravity. The mission’s findings will contribute to research conducted aboard the station and inform future human spaceflight operations.
