NASA Crew-8 return, splashdown live coverage: When, where and how to watch

Members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission from right to left, NASA astronauts Jeanette Epps, mission specialist; Matthew Dominick, commander; Michael Barratt, pilot; and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, mission specialist; participate in the Crew Equipment Interface Test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida . (Image: NASA)

NASA and SpaceX are gearing up for an exciting event today, as they target 5:05 p.m. EDT for the undocking of the SpaceX Crew-8 mission from the International Space Station (ISS). Weather permitting, the crew's return to Earth is expected to conclude with a splashdown around 3:29 a.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 25, at one of several designated zones off Florida’s coast.

A Seven-Month Science Expedition Comes to an End

NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, are wrapping up a seven-month-long scientific mission aboard the ISS. The crew will bring back critical and time-sensitive research, marking the end of their expedition.

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NASA mission managers are closely monitoring several variables before giving the final undocking go-ahead. Factors such as spacecraft readiness, weather conditions, sea states, and recovery team availability all play a part. NASA will finalise the exact splashdown time and location closer to undocking.

Live Coverage and Key Times for Crew-8’s Return

NASA is providing live coverage of the return through NASA+. The schedule is subject to real-time updates, and all times are in Eastern Time.

• Wednesday, Oct. 23 Schedule

After undocking, coverage will switch to audio-only updates. Full video coverage will resume on Friday for the deorbit burn and splashdown.

• Friday, Oct. 25 Schedule

Following the return, a live media teleconference at 5 a.m. will feature NASA and SpaceX representatives. Journalists are required to contact NASA by 4 p.m. EDT on Oct. 24 to participate in the teleconference.

To follow the mission in detail, visit NASA’s official website at NASA’s Commercial Crew blog for more updates on Crew-8.