NASA and SpaceX Crew-12 Makes Successful Splashdown: Join the Briefing on Mission Highlights

The SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft successfully landed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles on 8th October 2026, carrying NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, alongside ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

Successful Return After Extended Mission

Following an impressive seven-month stint aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Crew-12 mission returned home safely on Thursday. A news conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT on 15th October at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where the crew will share insights about their scientific endeavours during the mission.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew’s achievement, stating, “Jessica, Jack, Sophie, and Andrey spent 237 days living and working in orbit, travelled over 100 million miles, advanced significant scientific research, and returned safely home due to the remarkable expertise and dedication of thousands across NASA, SpaceX, and our international partners. Establishing the capability, experience, and confidence required for repeated missions is essential for future exploration, and I express my gratitude to Crew-12 and their families for their contributions to humanity’s greatest adventure.”

Post-Flight Procedures and Medical Assessments

The astronauts returned to Earth at 8:34 a.m. PDT, with recovery teams from SpaceX swiftly retrieving both the spacecraft and crew. After undergoing standard post-flight medical evaluations, the astronauts will be transported to shore before heading to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Dana Weigel, the manager of NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program, highlighted the importance of the ISS, stating, “NASA’s activities supporting the International Space Station — including crew transportation, impactful research, and maintenance of critical national assets — are vital for the science, engineering, and risk-reduction necessary for future missions throughout the solar system. We are grateful for the commitment shown by the human spaceflight team that makes these accomplishments possible, and we are excited to welcome Jessica, Jack, Sophie, and Andrey back home.”

Remarkable Achievements in Space Research

Throughout their 237-day mission, the crew completed over 3,792 orbits around Earth, amassing over 100 million miles. This mission marked the second for both Meir and Fedyaev, while Hathaway and Adenot experienced their first journey into space. Crew-12 launched on 13th February at 5:15 a.m. EST and docked with the ISS the following day.

The crew’s time aboard the space station was devoted to extensive scientific research aimed at supporting human exploration beyond low Earth orbit, alongside delivering benefits to life on Earth. Their work encompassed testing stem cell production for cell-based therapies, demonstrating on-demand intravenous fluid generation for future expeditions, and investigating how the pneumonia-causing bacteria could lead to long-term heart damage. In addition, they conducted nutrition-focused research and studied the effects of physical characteristics on blood flow during spaceflight, crucial for ensuring astronaut health in future missions. The knowledge gained from these studies will enhance preparations for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.

Notable Contributions to Spacewalk History

Meir’s achievements include completing four spacewalks, bringing her total to seven, thus ranking her third in total spacewalks among women at NASA, following former astronauts Peggy Whitson and Suni Williams. Adenot made history by completing three spacewalks, becoming the first French woman to venture outside the orbital outpost.

For United States-based media wishing to attend the crew’s news conference in person, they must contact the NASA Johnson newsroom by 5 p.m. EDT on 13th October at jsc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Media joining by phone must request dial-in information by 9:30 a.m. on 15th October. Questions must be submitted at least 15 minutes before the news conference begins. Details on the agency’s media credentialing policy are accessible online. Adenot will return to Europe and will not be present during the conference.

Enhancing Space Access Through Collaboration

NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program strives to provide reliable access to space, maximising the use of the International Space Station for research and development by collaborating with private U.S. companies, including SpaceX, to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.

For further information regarding NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission, please visit the official NASA website.