The International Space Station returned to full operational capacity following the arrival of four astronauts, delivered by SpaceX. This crew replacement became necessary after a medical evacuation caused by a serious health issue involving one astronaut.
The evacuation, NASA’s first in 65 years of human spaceflight, left only three crew members on board, prompting a pause in spacewalks and a reduction in research activities. The new arrivals include astronauts from the U.S., France, and Russia.
Among them are NASA’s marine biologist Jessica Meir and former military pilot Andrei Fedyaev from Russia, both of whom have previously lived on the station. Greeting their seven new teammates with enthusiasm, the newcomers aim to resume full operations during their eight to nine-month stay.
(With inputs from agencies.)