An astronaut required hospitalization and is currently ‘under observation’ after returning from an extensive 235-day mission in space.
In March, the Crew-8 mission embarked on its journey to the International Space Station, including NASA astronauts Jeanette Epps, Matthew Dominick, and Michael Barratt, alongside Russia’s Alexander Grebenkin.
The crew spent an impressive 236 days in space before making a successful return, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday (25 October).
Upon returning to Earth, the astronauts underwent medical evaluations, and it was soon discovered that one of them was experiencing a medical issue. Consequently, all four were transported to Pensacola’s Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital for further examination as a precaution.
According to NASA, three of the astronauts were swiftly released and returned to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, but one astronaut is still in the hospital.
The identity of the astronaut has not been disclosed by the space agency.
Cheryl Warner, NASA’s news chief, stated: “To protect the crew member’s medical privacy, specific details on the individual’s condition or identity will not be shared.”
“The one astronaut who remains at Ascension is in stable condition under observation as a precautionary measure,” she added.
A NASA spokesperson expressed gratitude, saying: “We’re grateful to Ascension Sacred Heart for its support during this time, and we are proud of our team for its quick action to ensure the safety of our crew members.”
“NASA will provide additional information as it becomes available,” the spokesperson continued.
Despite the current medical concerns, all four crew members were seen smiling and waving as they exited the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft off the coast of Florida.
During a news briefing before the hospital admission, Richard Jones, NASA’s deputy manager of the Commercial Crew Program, stated: “Right now the crew is doing great.”
“They are going to spend a little bit of time on the recovery vessel going through their medical checks,” Jones explained.
“They’ll soon be on their way back to Houston after all of those are done,” he assured.
The Crew-8 astronauts were initially scheduled to return to Earth two months earlier, but delays were caused by issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule and Hurricane Milton impacting Florida.
“[Crew-8 was] the longest duration in space for a US crewed vehicle at 235 days,” Jones noted.
NASA plans to provide updates on the astronaut’s health as more information becomes available.