SpaceX Crew-8 members to return to Earth, NASA to provide live coverage via stream

NASA’s Crew-8 mission, launched earlier in 2024, is coming to a close as the SpaceX Crew Dragon is preparing for its return to Earth. The mission, which lifted off in March, was part of NASA's ongoing efforts to support the International Space Station’s (ISS) scientific operations and maintenance. The Crew-8 astronauts—Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebennik—have spent the past months conducting critical research on the ISS. Their work focused on experiments related to health, materials science, and advanced technology that benefit life both in space and on Earth.

One of the key goals of the mission was to further studies on space-based effects on human physiology, which is crucial for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. This included experiments on muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and the psychological challenges of extended spaceflight. The crew also contributed to the testing of new space technologies, including improved air and water recycling systems that will be vital for deep-space exploration.

Weather permitting, splashdown is expected to take place around 3:38 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 14, in one of several designated zones off the Florida coast. NASA's mission managers will be closely monitoring conditions for the deorbit burn and splashdown. Factors such as weather, sea states, and spacecraft readiness will play a critical role as well. Return coverage on Monday begins at 2:30 p.m. EDT on NASA+.

A media teleconference with NASA and SpaceX representatives is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. EDT after the splashdown. The full live mission stream will be available on NASA’s platform, which will let viewers follow the astronauts’ journey back to Earth in real-time.