NASA · Space

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 Returns to Earth After Seven Months

The NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission, carrying astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev, successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after over seven months aboard the International Space Station.

The crew spent 237 days in orbit, traveling over 100 million miles and completing more than 3,792 orbits. This mission was the second for Meir and Fedyaev, and the first for Hathaway and Adenot.

During their time on the ISS, the crew conducted significant scientific research, including testing stem cell production for therapies, demonstrating on-demand IV fluid generation, and studying the long-term effects of pneumonia-causing bacteria on the heart.

Additional research focused on nutrition and how physical characteristics affect blood flow during spaceflight, aiming to enhance astronaut safety and health for future missions.

The mission also involved spacewalks, with Meir completing four and Fedyaev completing three, contributing to advancements in human space exploration.

A post-mission news conference is scheduled for October 15th at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where crew members will discuss their findings. Adenot will not be present as she will return to Europe.

NASA's Low Earth Orbit Program, in partnership with companies like SpaceX, facilitates crew transport and research on the ISS, supporting future lunar and Martian exploration.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.