A NASA astronaut was hospitalized after a delayed return from the International Space Station. The crew, including NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, splashed down off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, at 3:30 a.m. ET on Friday. They were flown to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola for medical evaluation, and one astronaut is still hospitalized due to a medical issue. NASA did not disclose the identity or details of the astronaut’s condition to protect their privacy.
The other three crew members have returned to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The SpaceX Dragon capsule, which carried the astronauts and undocked from the space station on Wednesday, had a successful reentry into Earth’s atmosphere and landing. NASA expressed gratitude to Ascension Sacred Heart for their support and commended their team for ensuring the crew’s safety.
The crew spent eight months on the space station, two months longer than planned. It can take days or weeks for astronauts to readjust to gravity after living in space. Despite the extended mission, NASA officials stated that the crew is doing well overall during a press conference after splashdown.
Hurricane Helene and issues with the Boeing Starliner caused delays for the crew’s return. The Boeing Starliner returned to Earth last month without its crew, who will now stay at the space station until February. They will return home in a SpaceX capsule that launched with empty seats. The extended stay at the space station will help them complete their mission effectively.
In conclusion, the crew’s delayed return from the International Space Station led to one astronaut being hospitalized due to a medical issue. NASA continues to prioritize the health and safety of astronauts during space missions, despite the challenges they may face. The cooperation between different space agencies and private companies like SpaceX is crucial for the success of space exploration missions.