Four astronauts returned to Earth on Thursday after a 237-day mission aboard the International Space Station. The SpaceX Crew-12 mission, which launched on February 13, 2026, ended with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles following a period of scientific research and station maintenance.
Crew Dragon Splashes Down in Pacific
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, named Freedom, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles at 11:34 a.m. EDT on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The return followed a journey from the International Space Station that began when the craft undocked from the Harmony module’s space-facing port at 8:05 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, October 7. During the high-speed re-entry phase, the spacecraft endured temperatures reaching 1600°C. Braking was provided by atmospheric friction followed by the deployment of large parachutes, which slowed the vessel from 17,000 mph to approximately 15 mph at the moment of splashdown.
Bill Spetch, deputy manager of commercial at NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program, confirmed the successful recovery, stating: The crew is doing well.
Astronauts Conduct Research During 237-Day Stay
The mission lasted 237 days, with 235 of those spent aboard the orbiting laboratory. Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program at the Johnson Space Center, noted that these activities enable the science, engineering, and risk‑reduction needed for future missions across the solar system.
- Biological studies, including monitoring pneumonia-causing bacteria, plant health, and enhanced microbe food production.
- Physiological research, such as on-demand intravenous fluid generation, nutrition-focused studies, and examinations of how physical characteristics affect blood flow in microgravity.
- Technology demonstrations including in-orbit metal 3D printing and the testing of the new European exercise device, E4D.
- Maintenance and upgrades to the 28-year-old outpost, including three spacewalks conducted by Adenot and four by Meir.
Meir, who has completed seven total spacewalks, also participated in cultural outreach, such as joining the Boston Pops with her piccolo for a Fourth of July concert. The crew hosted cooking demonstrations and a dance party last month.
Crew Members Transition to Earth
Meir radioed moments after splashing down: We are so excited to be back on Planet Earth after an incredible mission on the International Space Station.
While still in orbit, she noted the crew had a lot of mixed, swirling emotions
and would miss the extraordinary views of our home planet.
Before departing, Meir handed command of the station to Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov.
For Hathaway, the mission was a distinct personal experience; he grew a naval aviator-style mustache before launching to honor his Navy ties. Reflecting on the style in August, he remarked: It’s kind of become a little bit of my brand up here, so I don’t know if it’ll go away right away or I’ll end up keeping it for a while.
Adenot was scheduled to fly to Cologne, Germany, to begin post-flight activities at the European Astronaut Centre and the :envihab facility operated by the German Aerospace Center. The station remains operational with seven crew members, including Soyuz MS-29 cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, and NASA astronaut Anil Menon, who are working through their own eight-month stay.
