Three NASA astronauts and a Roscosmos cosmonaut experienced an unexpected delay following their successful splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola, Florida, on Friday morning. Instead of returning immediately to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the crew underwent medical evaluations at a local Florida hospital. One of the astronauts remained overnight due to a “medical issue” but was reported in stable condition, observed as a precautionary measure, and has since been released.
NASA confirmed that specific details about the affected astronaut’s condition would remain private, emphasizing a focus on the crew’s medical privacy. The four-person crew, part of SpaceX’s Crew-8 mission, spent nearly eight months aboard the International Space Station, returning safely to Earth after their longest stay yet of 235 days. NASA initially conducted post-splashdown evaluations at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, where three astronauts were later cleared and returned to Houston.
The Crew-8 mission, which included NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, encountered multiple delays, including adjustments related to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and weather setbacks. After completing thorough post-flight health checks, NASA confirmed the crew’s safe journey home and positive health status.
Source: Swifteradio.com
