Successful Return for Crew-12 Mission
The SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft successfully returned to Earth on October 8, 2026, landing in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles. Aboard were NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. After spending over seven months on the International Space Station (ISS), the crew is set to hold a press briefing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on October 15 at 3:30 p.m. EDT to discuss their mission.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew’s achievements, noting, “Jessica, Jack, Sophie, and Andrey spent 237 days living and working in orbit, traveled more than 100 million miles, advanced important science, and returned safely home because of the extraordinary expertise and competence of thousands across NASA, SpaceX, and our international partners.” He emphasized the importance of building the capability for ongoing space exploration.
The spacecraft touched down at 8:34 a.m. PDT, where recovery teams from SpaceX quickly retrieved the crew and the vehicle. Following routine medical evaluations, the astronauts will return to shore before heading to the Johnson Space Center for further debriefings.
Research and Discoveries in Orbit
During their 237-day journey, the crew completed over 3,792 orbits around the Earth and conducted extensive scientific research aimed at supporting human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Their work encompassed various projects, including stem cell production for potential cell therapies, on-demand IV fluid generation, and studies on how pneumonia-related bacteria can cause long-term cardiovascular issues. They also engaged in nutrition research and examined factors influencing blood flow during space missions, which are crucial for astronaut health in future explorations of the Moon and Mars.
Jessica Meir, who completed four spacewalks during this mission, now has a total of seven spacewalks, ranking her third for women at NASA in terms of total spacewalks, following former astronauts Peggy Whitson and Suni Williams. Sophie Adenot, who participated in three spacewalks, made history as the first French woman to perform a spacewalk.
Media Participation in the News Conference
Media representatives in the United States wishing to attend the crew’s press conference in person must contact the NASA Johnson newsroom by 5 p.m. EDT on October 13. Those joining by phone need to request dial-in information by 9:30 a.m. on October 15. Questions will be accepted from media participants who log in at least 15 minutes prior to the conference. It is noted that Adenot will be returning to Europe and will not be present for the news conference.
NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program continues to enhance access to space, leveraging partnerships with private companies like SpaceX to facilitate astronaut transportation for research and development aboard the ISS. For more information about NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission, visit the agency’s website.
Source: NASA. Photo: NASA.
