At 3:29 a.m. EDT on Friday, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, successfully completing NASA’s Crew-8 mission after nearly eight months of scientific research aboard the International Space Station ( ISS ).
The Crew-8 mission crew has successfully arrived home
NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, have returned after completing a series of experiments aimed at improving life on Earth and supporting future space exploration.
During the mission, the crew conducted more than 200 scientific investigations, including stem cell studies to develop organoid models and experiments on ” how microgravity affects the immune system .” These investigations seek to understand ” how space impacts human health ,” with potential applications for both astronauts and patients on Earth.
SpaceX Crew 8 explaining details of science, innovation and discoveries. Source: NASA
After landing, NASA and SpaceX rescue teams secured the capsule and performed a medical check on the astronauts, who were transferred to a hospital in Pensacola as a precaution. The agency reported that all crew members are in stable condition and that this measure is part of the usual safety protocol for long-duration missions.
SpaceX Crew 8 splashdown broadcast. Source: NASA
The return of Crew-8 marks a breakthrough for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program , a joint initiative with SpaceX that provides constant access to the ISS and maximizes use of the orbiting laboratory for scientific development.
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Source and photo: NASA