The International Space Station (ISS) has regained its operational capacity with the arrival of four new astronauts on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Delivered by a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral, these astronauts will replace colleagues who had to return early due to health concerns. This marked a significant moment for NASA, as it was the first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight.
The previous crew’s emergency return was prompted by a serious health issue experienced by one of the astronauts, who has not been publicly identified. This incident led to a temporary reduction in ISS operations, with only three crew members remaining on board—one American and two Russians. NASA had to pause spacewalks and adjust ongoing research activities during this period.
The newly arrived astronauts include NASA’s Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot from France, and Andrei Fedyaev from Russia. Meir, a marine biologist, is recognized for her role in the first all-female spacewalk during her previous visit to the ISS in 2019. Hathaway serves as a captain in the US Navy, while Adenot, a military helicopter pilot, is only the second French woman to travel to space. Fedyaev, a former military pilot, is making his first trip to the ISS.
The astronaut who experienced health problems, along with three others, returned to Earth more than a month earlier than scheduled. They spent their first night back in a hospital before returning to Houston. NASA has not disclosed further details about the health issue, citing medical privacy concerns. Despite the incident, the agency confirmed that it did not change its preflight medical protocols for the new crew.
With the arrival of this new team, the ISS is expected to resume its full range of operations. Meir and Hathaway are set to stay aboard for approximately eight to nine months, contributing to various scientific research projects and ongoing missions. The ISS continues to be a pivotal platform for international cooperation in space exploration and scientific advancement.
