NASA Astronaut Under Medical Observation Post-Mission

Astronaut Hospitalized Post-Mission Recovery

NASA Astronaut Under Medical Observation Post-Mission A NASA astronaut from the Crew-8 mission has been hospitalized with an unspecified medical condition after returning from the International Space Station, but remains stable, according to the space agency.

The four-member crew, including NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, splashed down off the coast of Florida early Friday after almost eight months on the ISS.

NASA reported that the SpaceX Dragon’s re-entry and splashdown went smoothly, and the recovery of both the crew and spacecraft was without incident. However, during routine medical checks aboard the recovery vessel, an “additional evaluation” was requested for the crew as a precaution.

All four were transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, where three were discharged, while one NASA astronaut remains in the hospital for observation. To respect privacy, NASA has not provided further medical details but will issue updates as available.

NASA Astronaut Under Medical Observation Post-Mission  Following an early Friday splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut from SpaceX’s Crew-8 mission were unexpectedly transferred to a Florida medical facility instead of their home base in Houston. One of the astronauts remained in the hospital with a “medical issue” as of Friday afternoon, while the other three traveled to NASA’s Johnson Space Center after a health assessment at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, near the splashdown site.

NASA declined to disclose further details on the crew member’s condition, with Cheryl Warner, NASA news chief, stating that “specific details on the individual’s condition or identity will not be shared” to protect privacy. The astronaut is reported to be stable and under observation as a precaution.

Crew-8’s safe return, marking 235 days in space—the longest U.S. crewed vehicle mission—followed multiple delays, including those related to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft schedule adjustments and weather conditions. Initially launched on March 4, the team’s return was postponed due to these factors.

The Crew-8 members—NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin—were all smiles and waved as they exited the Crew Dragon capsule. In a briefing at 5 a.m., NASA’s Deputy Manager of the Commercial Crew Program, Richard Jones, confirmed the crew was doing well and undergoing standard post-mission medical checks.

NASA Astronaut Under Medical Observation Post-Mission  After safely splashing down as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission on Friday, a NASA astronaut experienced a medical issue. NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, were transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola in Florida for medical evaluations.

Following assessments at the hospital, three crew members departed Pensacola and arrived at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. One astronaut remains at Ascension Sacred Heart in stable condition, under observation as a precaution. NASA has not disclosed further information regarding the astronaut’s condition to protect their privacy.

The SpaceX Dragon performed a routine re-entry and splashdown, with both crew and spacecraft recovery proceeding without incident. Routine medical checks on the recovery vessel prompted additional evaluations for the crew out of an abundance of caution.

NASA expressed appreciation to Ascension Sacred Heart for its support and commended its team for acting swiftly to ensure crew safety. The Crew-8 team completed a 235-day mission, with 232 days aboard the International Space Station conducting scientific research. NASA will provide further updates as information becomes available.