4 astronauts arrive at International Space Station to replace Nasa’s crew
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The International Space Station (ISS) has welcomed four new astronauts from the United States, France, and Russia, replacing a crew that had to return earlier due to health concerns. This marks NASA's first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight, highlighting the challenges faced during this unprecedented event. The arrival of these astronauts brings the ISS back to full operational capacity, ensuring continued research and activities on board.
The previous crew was forced to leave early when one member experienced a serious health issue, leaving only three astronauts to manage operations. This reduced workforce led NASA to pause spacewalks and curtail research efforts, emphasizing the critical role of maintaining adequate staffing levels for effective mission management. The ISS has been temporarily under-staffed since last month's evacuation, underscoring the impact of crew shortages on mission continuity.
The new crew members—NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, along with France’s Sophie Adenot and Russia’s Andrei Fedyaev—are set to stay aboard the ISS for eight to nine months. Their arrival not only restores full functionality but also reinforces international collaboration in space exploration. This event highlights the importance of robust crew health monitoring and contingency planning in ensuring long-term success in human spaceflight.
The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in sustaining life and work in space, particularly under unexpected medical circumstances. The successful replacement of the crew underscores the adaptability
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026