SpaceX Launches Replacement Crew to International Space Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — In a rapid response to an earlier medical evacuation, a new crew was sent to the International Space Station on Friday, following the return of astronauts who had to leave Earth unexpectedly.

Responding promptly to NASA’s request, SpaceX launched a replacement spacecraft, carrying astronauts from the U.S., France, and Russia. This mission is set to last between eight and nine months, and the four crew members are expected to arrive at the space station on Saturday, filling the spots left by their evacuated colleagues from last month.

As the astronauts achieved orbit, SpaceX Launch Control remarked, “Friday the 13th turns out to be a very lucky day.” Crew commander Jessica Meir responded, saying, “It’s been a tough ride.”

NASA had pressed pause on upcoming spacewalks and other missions while waiting for the arrival of Meir and Jack Hathaway from the U.S., along with France’s Sophie Adenot and Russia’s Andrei Fezyaev. They will join three remaining astronauts—one American and two Russians—who continued to operate the station since last month.

NASA expressed satisfaction with the existing medical protocols in place, opting not to conduct additional tests on the crew prior to launch, and no new medical equipment was sent along. Ultrasound gear that had been installed for research gained extra use on January 7 when it was employed for a crew member who had fallen ill.

The identity of the sick astronaut and the nature of their health issue have remained undisclosed by NASA. After their return, all four astronauts went directly to a hospital after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.

This incident marks the first time, in 65 years of human space exploration, that NASA had to suspend a mission due to medical circumstances.

Encouraged by ongoing advancements, NASA is looking to improve the medical equipment available on the space station as missions extend in duration. Deputy program manager Dina Contera mentioned that there are limitations to what can realistically be done, indicating the constant need for astronaut evacuations.

The new crew will conduct tests on various medical technologies, which could be vital for future moon and Mars missions. They plan to examine filters capable of converting drinking water into IV fluids in emergencies, utilize AI and augmented reality in ultrasound systems, and perform scans on jugular veins to check for potential blood clots.

Adenot marks a significant milestone as only the second French woman to reach space. Her predecessor, Claudie Henières, was inspired to become an astronaut after her experience at the Russian space station Mir in 1996. Henières showed her support from the Florida launch site, offering blessings for a safe journey.

As the astronauts ascended, Fezyaev led the crew in a spirited “Poyekali,” echoing the words of Yuri Gagarin during his historic 1961 launch. While Meir and Fezyaev are returning to the space station, Hathaway and Adenot are experiencing space for the first time.

Recalling her previous mission, Meir took part in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019. One of her fellow spacewalkers, Christina Koch, is among four astronauts slated for the upcoming Artemis II mission aimed at a moon orbit as early as March. Meir expressed excitement about the concurrent timelines of their missions, stating, “It’s so cool and so exciting to be an astronaut now.”

This launch was conducted from SpaceX’s site at Cape Canaveral, as the company is also preparing the Kennedy Space Center launch pad for NASA’s next-generation spacecraft intended for lunar landings.