SpaceX returned its fourth operational crew mission from the International Space Station on Friday, with the quartet of astronauts splashing down within the firm’s capsule off the coast of Florida.
The firm’s Crew Dragon spacecraft “Freedom” undocked from the ISS at round midday ET to start the journey again to Earth, with splashdown taking place round 5 p.m. ET.
“Welcome house – thanks for flying SpaceX,” the corporate’s mission management advised the crew shortly after touchdown.
“Thank you for an unimaginable trip to orbit, and an unimaginable trip house,” Crew-4 commander Kjell Lindgren stated in response.
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Crew-4 consists of NASA astronauts Lindgren, Bob Hines, and Jessica Watkins, in addition to European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. The mission launched in April for a six-month keep on the orbiting analysis laboratory.
The Crew-4 astronauts, from left: Jessica Watkins, mission specialist; Bob Hines, pilot; Kjell Lindgren, commander; and Samantha Cristoforetti, mission specialist.
Kim Shiflett | NASA
Elon Musk’s firm launched the Crew-5 mission final week, bringing 4 different astronauts to the ISS.
SpaceX has now flown 30 folks to orbit since its first crewed launch in May 2020, with six authorities missions and two personal ones.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule Freedom docked to the International Space Station.
NASA