ISS crew restored: SpaceX delivers four new astronauts after medical evacuation
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 16, 2026, 21:30 IST
The cosmos welcomed four fresh faces today as Jack Hathaway, Andrey Fedyaev, Jessica Meir, and Sophia Adenot docked at the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX rocket. With this new crew, the ISS regains its full complement after a necessary medical evacuation.
Four new astronauts, Jack Hathaway, Andrey Fedyaev, Jessica Meir, and Sophia Adenot, arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday, February 14, 2026, via a SpaceX rocket, restoring the station to its full crew capacity. This arrival follows the early medical evacuation of four astronauts in January due to a health concern, marking NASA's first such evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight. The new crew will stay for eight to nine months.
SpaceX launched the US, French, and Russian astronauts from Cape Canaveral. Their arrival on Saturday brought the ISS back to its full strength. This was necessary after a medical issue forced the early return of four crew members the previous month.
Last month's medical evacuation was a significant event for NASA. It was the first in the agency's 65-year history of human spaceflight. The situation left only three crew members on the ISS.
One of the four astronauts launched by SpaceX last summer experienced what officials described as a serious health issue. This prompted their hasty return to Earth. The reduced crew size led NASA to pause spacewalks and trim research activities.
The newly arrived astronauts include NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France's Sophie Adenot, and Russia's Andrey Fedyaev. They are expected to remain on the ISS for eight to nine months.
Jessica Meir, a marine biologist, and Andrey Fedyaev, a former military pilot, are not new to the ISS. Both have visited the space station before. During her first visit in 2019, Meir participated in the first all-female spacewalk.
Sophie Adenot, a military helicopter pilot, is the second French woman to travel to space. Jack Hathaway serves as a captain in the US Navy.
Upon the capsule's docking to the space station, which is located 277 miles (445km) above Earth, Adenot greeted the crew with "Bonjour!"
French president Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for Adenot via social media.
“In space as on Earth, it is by uniting our strengths that we accomplish the extraordinary.”
A couple of hours after docking, the hatches between the spacecraft and the ISS were opened. The seven space travelers embraced and exchanged high-fives. Jessica Meir was heard saying, "Let’s get rolling."
NASA has chosen not to disclose the identity of the astronaut who fell ill on January 7. The agency also has not provided details about the specific health issue, citing medical privacy concerns.
The ailing astronaut and the three other crew members who returned early completed their mission more than a month ahead of their scheduled departure. Upon their return to Earth, they spent their first night at a hospital before being transferred to Houston.
NASA stated that the preflight medical checks for the replacement astronauts were not altered. The agency proceeded with the mission as planned for the new crew.
The ISS is now fully crewed, with the arrival of the four new astronauts. This restores the station's operational capacity. The previous situation had limited certain activities.
The SpaceX rocket successfully delivered the astronauts from the United States, France, and Russia. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral. The journey to the ISS was completed without incident.
The medical evacuation in January was a rare occurrence for NASA. It highlighted the challenges of long-duration spaceflight. The health of astronauts remains a primary concern for space agencies.
The return of the four astronauts was described as hasty. This indicates the seriousness of the health issue encountered. The decision to evacuate was made to ensure the astronaut's well-being.
The reduced crew size of three members posed operational challenges. NASA had to adapt its plans for spacewalks and research. The station's scientific output was consequently affected.
The new crew members bring a diverse range of expertise. Meir's background in marine biology and Fedyaev's experience as a military pilot are valuable assets. Adenot's role as a military helicopter pilot and Hathaway's naval career also contribute to the crew's capabilities.
The ISS continues to be a vital platform for scientific research and international cooperation. The full crew allows for the resumption of all planned activities. The station orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 277 miles.
The docking procedure was successful. The connection between the SpaceX capsule and the ISS was established smoothly. This allowed for the transfer of the new crew members.
The greetings exchanged between the arriving and existing crew members were warm. The high-fives and hugs signify the camaraderie among astronauts. Space missions often foster strong bonds between crew members.
The statement from French president Emmanuel Macron underscores the international nature of space exploration. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration. The ISS is a prime example of such international partnership.
The decision to maintain the preflight medical checks for the replacements suggests confidence in the existing protocols. NASA likely has robust procedures in place to assess astronaut health. The agency's commitment to astronaut safety is paramount.
The return of the ISS to full strength is a positive development. It allows for the continuation of critical research and experiments. The station plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space and its potential for human habitation.
The presence of astronauts from different nations on the ISS reinforces global cooperation. It demonstrates the ability of countries to work together towards common goals. This mission exemplifies that spirit.
The duration of the new crew's stay, eight to nine months, is standard for long-duration ISS missions. This period allows for significant contributions to scientific endeavors. It also provides valuable experience for the astronauts.
The successful arrival of the new crew ensures the continued operation of the ISS. The station remains a beacon of human achievement in space. The ongoing work aboard the ISS is vital for future space exploration.
SpaceX launched the US, French, and Russian astronauts from Cape Canaveral. Their arrival on Saturday brought the ISS back to its full strength. This was necessary after a medical issue forced the early return of four crew members the previous month.
Last month's medical evacuation was a significant event for NASA. It was the first in the agency's 65-year history of human spaceflight. The situation left only three crew members on the ISS.
One of the four astronauts launched by SpaceX last summer experienced what officials described as a serious health issue. This prompted their hasty return to Earth. The reduced crew size led NASA to pause spacewalks and trim research activities.
The newly arrived astronauts include NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France's Sophie Adenot, and Russia's Andrey Fedyaev. They are expected to remain on the ISS for eight to nine months.
Jessica Meir, a marine biologist, and Andrey Fedyaev, a former military pilot, are not new to the ISS. Both have visited the space station before. During her first visit in 2019, Meir participated in the first all-female spacewalk.
Sophie Adenot, a military helicopter pilot, is the second French woman to travel to space. Jack Hathaway serves as a captain in the US Navy.
Upon the capsule's docking to the space station, which is located 277 miles (445km) above Earth, Adenot greeted the crew with "Bonjour!"
French president Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for Adenot via social media.
“In space as on Earth, it is by uniting our strengths that we accomplish the extraordinary.”
A couple of hours after docking, the hatches between the spacecraft and the ISS were opened. The seven space travelers embraced and exchanged high-fives. Jessica Meir was heard saying, "Let’s get rolling."
NASA has chosen not to disclose the identity of the astronaut who fell ill on January 7. The agency also has not provided details about the specific health issue, citing medical privacy concerns.
The ailing astronaut and the three other crew members who returned early completed their mission more than a month ahead of their scheduled departure. Upon their return to Earth, they spent their first night at a hospital before being transferred to Houston.
NASA stated that the preflight medical checks for the replacement astronauts were not altered. The agency proceeded with the mission as planned for the new crew.
The ISS is now fully crewed, with the arrival of the four new astronauts. This restores the station's operational capacity. The previous situation had limited certain activities.
The SpaceX rocket successfully delivered the astronauts from the United States, France, and Russia. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral. The journey to the ISS was completed without incident.
The medical evacuation in January was a rare occurrence for NASA. It highlighted the challenges of long-duration spaceflight. The health of astronauts remains a primary concern for space agencies.
The return of the four astronauts was described as hasty. This indicates the seriousness of the health issue encountered. The decision to evacuate was made to ensure the astronaut's well-being.
The reduced crew size of three members posed operational challenges. NASA had to adapt its plans for spacewalks and research. The station's scientific output was consequently affected.
The new crew members bring a diverse range of expertise. Meir's background in marine biology and Fedyaev's experience as a military pilot are valuable assets. Adenot's role as a military helicopter pilot and Hathaway's naval career also contribute to the crew's capabilities.
The ISS continues to be a vital platform for scientific research and international cooperation. The full crew allows for the resumption of all planned activities. The station orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 277 miles.
The docking procedure was successful. The connection between the SpaceX capsule and the ISS was established smoothly. This allowed for the transfer of the new crew members.
The greetings exchanged between the arriving and existing crew members were warm. The high-fives and hugs signify the camaraderie among astronauts. Space missions often foster strong bonds between crew members.
The statement from French president Emmanuel Macron underscores the international nature of space exploration. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration. The ISS is a prime example of such international partnership.
The decision to maintain the preflight medical checks for the replacements suggests confidence in the existing protocols. NASA likely has robust procedures in place to assess astronaut health. The agency's commitment to astronaut safety is paramount.
The return of the ISS to full strength is a positive development. It allows for the continuation of critical research and experiments. The station plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space and its potential for human habitation.
The presence of astronauts from different nations on the ISS reinforces global cooperation. It demonstrates the ability of countries to work together towards common goals. This mission exemplifies that spirit.
The duration of the new crew's stay, eight to nine months, is standard for long-duration ISS missions. This period allows for significant contributions to scientific endeavors. It also provides valuable experience for the astronauts.
The successful arrival of the new crew ensures the continued operation of the ISS. The station remains a beacon of human achievement in space. The ongoing work aboard the ISS is vital for future space exploration.