4 astronauts return to Earth after 8 months in space
Four astronauts have returned to Earth via a SpaceX capsule after an eight-month mission on the International Space Station. The crew, which included U.S., French, and Russian members, completed their mission following a delay caused by necessary capsule repairs.
Why it matters
Successful crew rotations and long-duration missions are essential for the continued operation of the International Space Station and future deep-space exploration.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Four astronauts returned to Earth from the International Space Station on Thursday after hurrying there eight months ago to replace an ailing colleague and his crew.SpaceX brought the U.S., French and Russian flyers back with a splashdown in the Pacific off the coast of Los Angeles.NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France's Sophie Adenot and Russia's Andrey Fedyaev departed the orbiting lab on Wednesday, eager to reunite with their families after a lengthy separation. Their replacements arrived three weeks late because of capsule repairs, stalling this crew's homecoming.They couldn't wait to feel the breeze on their faces, hit the shower and, for Adenot at least, plunge back into water sports."We are so excited to be back on Planet Earth after an incredible mission on the International Space Station," Meir radioed moments after splashing down.
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