Back to Earth: NASA’s crew-8 astronauts safely splash down after seven months in space, watch video here

The Crew-8 team, consisting of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, launched on March 3 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Image: NASA)

NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission made a triumphant return, splashing down off Pensacola, Florida, at 3:29 a.m. EDT on Friday. This successful landing marked the end of an impressive eight-month scientific journey and highlighted NASA's eighth commercial crew rotation to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Crew-8 team, consisting of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, launched on March 3 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During their 232 days in space, the crew accomplished remarkable feats.

Splashdown. Welcome home, #Crew8! After a science mission of over seven months living and working on the @Space_Station, the crew of four are back on Earth. pic.twitter.com/6tvEBQRgLI
NASA (@NASA) October 25, 2024

Recovery teams from NASA and SpaceX promptly secured the spacecraft and assisted the astronauts as they exited. The crew is now headed to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, while the Dragon spacecraft will return to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for inspection and refurbishment.

Throughout their mission, the crew travelled nearly 100 million miles and completed 3,760 orbits around Earth. They conducted vital research to support human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefit life on Earth. Their studies included stem cell research to develop organoid models for degenerative diseases, examining how fuel temperature impacts material flammability, and investigating spaceflight effects on astronaut immune function.

Significant Research and Advancements in Space Medicine

These efforts aim to enhance astronaut health during long missions. They also contribute significantly to advancements in space medicine and have positive implications for humanity.

Crew-8's return coincided with the arrival of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 to the orbiting laboratory on September 29. Both missions are part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This initiative ensures reliable access to space and maximises the ISS's potential for research and development, all while collaborating with private companies to transport astronauts safely.