New Astronauts Join ISS After Crew Evacuation
The International Space Station has regained its full operational capacity with the arrival of four new astronauts, stepping in for colleagues who departed prematurely due to health concerns. On Saturday, SpaceX successfully delivered astronauts from the US, France, and Russia, following their launch from Cape Canaveral the previous day. Last month’s medical evacuation marked Nasa’s first in 65 years of human spaceflight. One of the four astronauts launched by SpaceX last summer experienced what officials characterized as a serious health issue, leading to their swift return. Only three crew members remained to maintain operations – one American and two Russians – leading Nasa to suspend spacewalks and reduce research activities.
Joining the mission for eight to nine months are NASA’s Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France’s Sophie Adenot, and Russia’s Andrei Fedyaev. Meir, a marine biologist, and Fedyaev, a former military pilot, have previously resided in that environment. In 2019, during her inaugural station visit, Meir participated in the historic first all-female spacewalk. Adenot, a military helicopter pilot, stands as only the second French woman to venture into space. Hathaway serves as a captain in the US Navy.
Nasa has declined to reveal the identity of the astronaut who became ill in orbit on January 7 or provide details about the incident, citing medical privacy concerns. The ailing astronaut, along with three others, made their return to Earth more than a month ahead of schedule. They spent their first night back on Earth at the hospital prior to their return to Houston. The space agency stated that it did not modify its preflight medical checks for their replacements.
