IndiaCrew-12 Bids Farewell
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir handed over command of the International Space Station to Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov on Sunday as members of SpaceX Crew-12 prepared to return to Earth. The crew is set to undock from the ISS no earlier than October 7 and splash down off the coast of California the following day.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir handed over command of the International Space Station to Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov on Sunday. This marked the beginning of the end of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission, which has been on the ISS since February.
The crew, including NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will undock from the ISS no earlier than October 7. They are expected to splash down off the coast of California the following day, weather permitting.
During their time on the ISS, the crew supported research that benefits life on Earth and prepares humans for missions into deep space. This included experiments on crystal growth, quantum science, and bone loss.
Meir worked with cables that deliver light used to cool, trap, and study atoms inside the Cold Atom Lab. This facility allows scientists to observe ultracold atoms for longer periods, giving them a window to peer into the quantum realm.
The crew also studied soft materials made from tiny particles suspended in water. In microgravity, scientists can study how these particles interact and assemble, which can lead to new discoveries and advancements.
NASA and SpaceX are targeting October 7 for the undocking of the Crew-12 mission from the ISS. The crew's return will be streamed live through various platforms, and mission managers are monitoring conditions in the recovery area.
The crew's time on the ISS has been productive, with Meir marking a career milestone of 400 days in space. She also completed four spacewalks during her recent stay on the ISS.
Key facts
- NASA astronaut Jessica Meir handed over command of the ISS to Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov
- The SpaceX Crew-12 mission will undock from the ISS no earlier than October 7
- The crew is expected to splash down off the coast of California on October 8
- The crew supported research on crystal growth, quantum science, and bone loss during their time on the ISS
Three perspectives
Neutral
The SpaceX Crew-12 mission is coming to an end, with the crew set to return to Earth after a productive time on the ISS. The mission has supported important research and marked several milestones for the crew members. The crew's return will be closely watched, and their experiences will likely contribute to future space missions.
Positive
The SpaceX Crew-12 mission has been a success, with the crew supporting important research and marking several milestones. The mission has demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in space exploration and has paved the way for future missions. The crew's return will be a celebration of their achievements and a reminder of the wonders of space exploration.
Negative
The end of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission marks the conclusion of a significant period of research and exploration on the ISS. However, the mission has also highlighted the challenges and risks of space travel, and the crew's return will be a reminder of the difficulties of working in space. The mission's success will depend on the crew's safe return and the valuable data they have collected.
Your week in news, every Wednesday
The biggest stories of the week for your edition, in your inbox every Wednesday morning, your time. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.