Crew-12 splashes down in Pacific after 237 days in orbit

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on 8 October 2026, ending a 237-day mission that carried four astronauts more than 100 million miles and around Earth more than 3,792 times. The SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft returned NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to Earth at 8:34 a.m. PDT.nasa.gov+1

What the mission accomplished

The mission's scientific work spanned hundreds of hours of research designed to support human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. The crew tested stem cell production for cell-based therapies, demonstrated on-demand intravenous fluid generation for future missions, and studied how the bacteria that causes pneumonia can lead to long-term heart damage. They also conducted nutrition-focused research and examined how physical characteristics affect blood flow during spaceflight.nasa.gov

Liz Warren, deputy chief scientist for NASA's Low Earth Orbit program, said after splashdown that the crew's work included understanding venous thromboembolism in spaceflight, testing a system to produce intravenous fluids for medical care during missions, and learning how to expand stem cells for use on Earth. The research supports preparation for human exploration of the Moon and Mars, NASA said.spacepolicyonline.com

Meir completed four spacewalks during the mission, bringing her career total to seven. That places her third all-time in total spacewalks among women at NASA, behind former agency astronauts Peggy Whitson with 10 and Suni Williams with 9. Adenot completed three spacewalks, becoming the first French woman to venture outside the orbital outpost. Fedyaev became the first person to fly on a Crew Dragon twice, having previously flown on Crew-6 in 2023.

How the crew set spacewalk records

SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and its crew shortly after splashdown. Within an hour, the Crew Dragon Freedom was aboard SpaceX's recovery ship Shannon, and the astronauts were helped out of the capsule and onto stretchers as their bodies readjusted to gravity after seven months in weightlessness. They were flown to shore by helicopter and then by airplane back to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the crew spent 237 days living and working in orbit and returned safely because of the expertise of thousands across NASA, SpaceX and international partners. Dana Weigel, manager of NASA's Low Earth Orbit Program, said the agency is thrilled to welcome the four crew members home. Following standard postflight medical screenings, the crew will fly to shore before returning to Houston.

The splashdown continues a shift in recovery operations. NASA and SpaceX moved spaceflight recovery operations from Florida to the West Coast in early 2025. The Dragon capsule stands nearly 27 feet tall and about 13 feet wide, and can carry up to seven astronauts into orbit, though most SpaceX Crew missions contracted with NASA feature four. The capsule undocked at 5:05 a.m. PT on 7 October from the Harmony Module's Earth-facing port.

What comes next for the crew

The crew will discuss their science mission during a news conference at 3:30 p.m. EDT on 15 October at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Adenot will return to Europe and will not be available during the news conference. Media attending in person must contact the Johnson newsroom no later than 5 p.m. EDT on 13 October.