SpaceX Crew-8 astronauts hospitalized after splashdown on October 25
- Four astronauts completed a 235-day mission aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and splashed down in Florida on October 25, 2024.
- After returning, all four were taken for medical evaluation due to unexpected health concerns; three were released, while one remained hospitalized in stable condition.
- This situation underscores the importance of conducting thorough medical assessments following long-duration space missions.
On October 25, 2024, four astronauts returned to Earth after a prolonged mission aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, splashing down off the coast of Florida. Following their return from the International Space Station, all crew members underwent unexpected evaluations at a local medical facility due to a health-related issue. Although three of the astronauts were released shortly after the evaluation, one remained hospitalized in stable condition, prompting NASA to maintain privacy regarding the individual’s health details. The crew, comprising three NASA astronauts—Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps—alongside Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, completed a record-setting 235-day mission, the longest for a US crewed vehicle. Their extended stay in space included delays for various reasons, including weather conditions and issues regarding the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. NASA initially scheduled the return without any indications of medical issues, yet post-mission medical checkups are typically conducted. The evaluation followed standard procedures for long-duration missions in space, as it is essential for ensuring the health and safety of astronauts after extended exposure to microgravity. This unexpected turn of events raised concerns about the challenges astronauts face during and after long missions, highlighting the importance of thorough post-mission health assessments in the field of space exploration.