NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission returned safely to Earth after 167 days in orbit, completing hundreds of hours of research aboard the International Space Station.
The early return, prompted by a medical concern, showcased the agency’s ability to respond quickly while maintaining mission success.
Crew-11 Returns Safely After Months in Orbit
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission has safely returned to Earth, splashing down early Thursday morning in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. The landing marked the end of a mission that lasted more than five months aboard the International Space Station.
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke were joined by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov on the journey home. The SpaceX Dragon capsule touched down at 12:41 a.m. PST on January 15, 2026, and recovery teams quickly secured the spacecraft and assisted the crew.
Science Achievements and International Teamwork
“I couldn’t be prouder of our astronauts and the teams on the ground at NASA, SpaceX, and across our international partnerships,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Their professionalism and focus kept the mission on track, even with an adjusted timeline.
Crew-11 completed more than 140 science experiments that advance human exploration. Missions like Crew-11 demonstrate the capability inherent in America’s space program—our ability to bring astronauts home as needed, launch new crews quickly, and continue pushing forward on human spaceflight as we prepare for our historic Artemis II mission, from low Earth orbit to the Moon and ultimately Mars.”
