NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission concluded its stay aboard the International Space Station with four astronauts and cosmonauts scheduled to return in early October. The crew included NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
During their mission, Crew-12 supported research aimed at benefiting life on Earth while advancing preparation for human missions beyond the station. The crew conducted experiments and operations that contributed to scientific objectives spanning both terrestrial applications and deep space exploration goals.
The return marks the end of an extended stay at the orbiting laboratory. Crew-12 members performed their assigned research and maintenance tasks throughout their time in orbit, working alongside other expedition members to maintain continuous operations aboard the station.
This crew exchange reflects the ongoing international collaboration on the ISS, with NASA, the European Space Agency, and Russia's space agency Roscosmos working together to operate the research facility. The rotation of crews enables the station to maintain its scientific productivity while allowing mission participants to return safely to Earth.
The Crew-12 departure paved the way for subsequent crew rotations to continue the ISS program's long-term research agenda.