NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev prepare for an early October return from the space station.

Four astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station are preparing to return to Earth in early October following the conclusion of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission.

The international crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. They will complete their operational tour aboard the orbital laboratory before beginning entry procedures.

Mission completion and departure schedule

The Crew-12 departure forms part of the standard rotation sequence for the orbiting laboratory, where international partner agencies maintain continuous operations. Flight directors will establish the exact undocking sequence as target landing windows approach in early October.

Ground teams will evaluate atmospheric entry trajectories and landing zone conditions prior to releasing the spacecraft from the station's docking port. Splashdown recovery teams remain on standby to assist the crew upon return.

Scientific research and technology focus

The crew conducted a comprehensive series of scientific investigations focusing on human biological adaptation, material behavior in microgravity, and technical hardware operations required for future long-duration exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

Data gathered during the mission serves dual operational goals: improving technological and medical applications on Earth while establishing baseline requirements for sustained human space flight.

Crew assignment and background

The four-person international team combines expertise from three space agencies participating in International Space Station operations:

• NASA astronaut Jessica Meir contributed to station maintenance and microgravity research routines.
• NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway performed operational tasks and scientific experiments throughout the stay.
• European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot carried out European science objectives aboard the orbiting outpost.
• Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev managed integrated station operations and partner system protocols.

Final handover protocols will take place aboard the station prior to hatch closure and physical separation of the crew transport vehicle.