NASA and SpaceX launch new astronauts to ISS after medical evacuation

An international four-person crew launched to the International Space Station to replace astronauts who returned early following NASA's first medical evacuation; they are expected to arrive tomorrow and will restore the station to full staffing.

An international crew launched to the International Space Station to replace astronauts who returned early after NASA's first medical evacuation. SpaceX expedited the flight at NASA's request. The mission is planned to last about eight to nine months and run through autumn. The crew includes Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot and Andrei Fedyaev, and they are scheduled to arrive at the station tomorrow. Key facts: - The four newcomers will join three crew members who remained on the station during the past month, bringing the outpost back to full staffing. - NASA had paused spacewalks and deferred some duties before the new crew arrived. - NASA said no additional medical checks were ordered for the crew before liftoff and no new diagnostic gear was packed for the flight. - An ultrasound unit already aboard was used on Jan. 7 for the ailing astronaut and was described as operating at high use during that incident. - NASA has not disclosed the identity or the medical condition of the astronaut who was evacuated; all four astronauts who returned earlier went to hospital after splashing down near San Diego. - The arriving crew will carry out tests relevant to future Moon and Mars missions, including a filter to convert drinking water into emergency IV fluid, an AI/AR-guided ultrasound system, jugular vein scans for a blood clot study, and a simulated moon-landing exercise. Summary: The new crew's arrival is expected to restore the station's full complement and to allow previously deferred tasks to resume. They will also perform medical and operational experiments intended to inform longer missions beyond low Earth orbit. Further operational timelines will follow as the crew docks and begins their mission.