Science

Astronauts on NASA's Crew-12 mission splash down following eight-month station stay

Four astronauts and cosmonauts returned off the California coast after capsule repair issues delayed their flight home.

Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 12:30 UTC8 reports

The short version

A four-person international crew from NASA's Crew-12 mission safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.[NPR]
The crew, which launched in February to replace colleagues after a medical evacuation, spent almost eight months aboard the International Space Station.[France 24 · NPR]
Their scheduled return was postponed by three weeks after capsule repairs delayed the arrival of their replacements.[France 24]
Seven astronauts representing the United States, Russia, and Canada remain stationed aboard the orbiting laboratory.[France 24]

The Crew-12 crew, comprising Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev, returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule off the coast of Los Angeles.[France 24 · NPR]
The crew's return was delayed by three weeks because repairs to a replacement capsule held up incoming relief personnel.[France 24]
The team launched in February following the first medical evacuation in NASA's human spaceflight history, prompted by the illness of astronaut Mike Fincke.[France 24]
Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk during the mission.[France 24]
Seven astronauts from the United States, Russia, and Canada remain aboard the orbital outpost.[France 24]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.