NASA’s Crew-8 mission members concluded a nearly eight-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS), finally returning to Earth early Friday. The SpaceX Dragon capsule Endeavour, carrying three American astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut, splashed down off Pensacola, Florida, after delays from Boeing’s Starliner issues and Hurricane Milton.
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During their 235-day mission, the Crew-8 astronauts conducted significant research, focusing on spaceflight’s effects on bodily fluids and plant growth under UV radiation. Originally set to conclude in August, the mission extended due to Boeing Starliner thruster issues and challenging weather conditions.
Upon landing, the crew — NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin — underwent initial medical evaluations and were then taken to a local facility “out of an abundance of caution.” NASA is yet to comment further on their health.
