SpaceX Crew-8 Astronauts Undock from ISS for Earth Return
- The Crew Dragon Endeavour successfully undocked from the ISS at 5:05 p.m. EDT after a prolonged mission exceeding seven months.
- The astronauts faced delays due to severe weather and issues with Boeing's Starliner, which complicated their return plans.
- Their splashdown is anticipated early Friday morning, concluding a significant chapter in ongoing space exploration efforts.
On October 23, 2024, four astronauts from NASA and Roscosmos embarked on their journey back to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour. Their departure followed a prolonged stay of over seven months at the International Space Station (ISS), marked by weather delays and scheduling conflicts. The crew included NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barrett, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Grebenkin. They successfully undocked from the ISS at 5:05 p.m. EDT, initiating a 34-hour descent to Earth, with an expected splashdown off the coast of Florida. The mission faced multiple delays due to adverse weather conditions from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as unforeseen complications related to Boeing's Starliner, which required makeshift seating for the additional astronauts during their stay. This complex situation highlights the challenges faced in manned space missions, particularly regarding safety and logistical coordination. With the planned return on Friday morning, the mission not only marks a successful end to their expedition but sets the stage for future crew rotations and ongoing research at the ISS, reflecting the continued collaboration between American and Russian space agencies in human spaceflight.