On February 14, 2026, the International Space Station (ISS) welcomed four new astronauts of the Crew-12 mission, restoring the crew’s full strength after the ISS was left with only three astronauts following an evacuation.
The Crew-12 mission consists of two NASA astronauts, Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, French astronaut Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
“We have so many countries represented, so many backgrounds, so many disciplines, and we are so excited to be here and to get to work,” Meir said at the ISS welcome ceremony.
In early January 2026, one astronaut aboard the ISS began experiencing a serious health issue that required immediate attention. Because of this, the astronaut, along with three other crew members, was evacuated, making this NASA’s first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight. This caused a temporary shortage of crew members, which impacted ISS’s operations. This evacuation delayed research projects and tasks such as spacewalks. This medical issue emphasized the vulnerability of long-term spaceflights, as detailed by AP News. It shows that astronauts can face health challenges during their missions despite rigorous training and health checks. It also emphasized the importance of reviewing emergency protocols set by space agencies in case such events occur to allow for operations to continue.
With the arrival of these astronauts and their diverse expertise, the ISS is able to continue its operations and important research. Jessica Meir is a marine biologist and NASA astronaut who returned for her second mission aboard the ISS. She is known for participating in the first all-female spacewalk, and her research relates to how space affects living organisms. Jack Hathaway is a captain in the US Navy who has extensive experience in spaceflight and leadership. Military helicopter pilot Sophie Adenot will work alongside other astronauts to conduct research and maintain the ISS’s complex systems. Former Russian military pilot Andrey Fedyaev has previously spent time on the ISS. His experience in piloting and his technical expertise will be beneficial in keeping the system running smoothly.
The diverse backgrounds of these astronauts will not only enhance the crew’s strength but also allow them to conduct research in various fields to contribute to scientific advancements.
Courtesy of sceincealert.com and AP/John Raoux
