NASA’s Crew-8 mission, launched earlier in 2024, is nearing its end as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon prepares to return to Earth. The mission, which took off in March, is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to support the International Space Station (ISS). The Crew 8 astronauts – Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epp and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebennik – have spent the past few months conducting crucial research aboard the ISS. Their work has focused on experiments related to health, materials science, and cutting-edge technologies that benefit life in space and on Earth.
One of the main goals of the mission was to further studies of the effects of space on human physiology, which is crucial for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. In particular, experiments were carried out on muscle atrophy, loss of bone density and the psychological challenges of prolonged spaceflight. The crew also helped test new space technologies, including improved air and water recycling systems that will be essential for deep space exploration.
Weather permitting, the water landing is expected to take place around 3:38 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 14, in one of the designated areas off the coast of Florida. NASA mission managers will closely monitor deorbit and splashdown conditions. Factors such as weather conditions, sea state and spacecraft readiness will also play a critical role. The mission broadcast will begin Monday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NASA+.
A press conference call with representatives from NASA and SpaceX is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. (EDT) following the splashdown. The mission will be broadcast live on the NASA platform https://www.nasa.gov/live/ which will allow viewers to follow the astronauts’ journey to Earth in real time.
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