NASA astronauts splash down after 100 million miles in space
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission has successfully concluded with the astronauts splashing down in the Pacific Ocean after 237 days in orbit. The crew conducted extensive scientific research that will inform future lunar and Martian exploration efforts.
Why it matters
Long-duration space missions are critical for developing the expertise and technology required for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
After spending more than seven months aboard the International Space Station, NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts have safely returned to Earth. Their spacecraft splashed down Thursday in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles, bringing an extraordinary mission to a close.
The four astronauts spent 237 days in orbit, traveled more than 100 million miles, and completed thousands of trips around Earth while carrying out scientific experiments that could help shape future missions to the Moon and Mars.
NASA will host a news conference at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where returning crew members will discuss their experiences and research accomplishments.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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