NASA astronauts splash down after 100 million miles in space
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts have returned to Earth after 237 days in space, traveling more than 100 million miles and completing over 3,792 orbits while conducting research to prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars. The mission also made history with record-setting spacewalk achievements and experiments that could transform medicine both in space and on Earth.
Key points
- NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 returned to Earth on Thursday after 237 days in orbit.
- The four astronauts traveled more than 100 million miles and circled Earth over 3,792 times.
- Crew members conducted experiments on stem cells, IV fluids, pneumonia-related heart damage, nutrition and blood flow.
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts have returned to Earth after more than seven months aboard the International Space Station. Their spacecraft splashed down Thursday in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles.
The four astronauts spent 237 days in orbit, traveled more than 100 million miles and completed thousands of trips around Earth while conducting scientific experiments. NASA will hold a news conference at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where the crew will discuss their experiences and research.
Crew and recovery details
The returning crew included NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. Their spacecraft touched down in the Pacific at 8:34 a.m. PDT.
SpaceX recovery teams aboard specialized vessels reached the capsule shortly afterward and brought the astronauts and spacecraft aboard. After routine medical evaluations, the crew will be taken to shore and then to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Meir and Fedyaev were on their second spaceflight, while Hathaway and Adenot completed their first missions. The crew launched on Feb. 13 at 5:15 a.m. EST and docked with the space station the next day.
Jessica, Jack, Sophie, and Andrey spent 237 days living and working in orbit, traveled more than 100 million miles, advanced important science, and returned safely home because of the extraordinary expertise and competence of thousands across NASA, SpaceX, and our international partners.
— NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman
Science and spacewalk milestones
During their 237-day stay, the astronauts circled Earth more than 3,792 times. They devoted hundreds of hours to experiments, including producing stem cells in space for possible cell-based medical treatments and demonstrating technology to make IV fluids on demand.
Other studies examined how pneumonia-causing bacteria may contribute to lasting heart damage, nutrition in space and how individual physical characteristics affect blood flow during spaceflight.
Meir completed four spacewalks, raising her career total to seven and placing her third among NASA women for most career spacewalks. Adenot completed three spacewalks, becoming the first French woman to venture outside the International Space Station.
