Four new astronauts arrive at the International Space Station to replace NASA's evacuated crew - AP News
AP News
February 14, 2026
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Four new astronauts have arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) to replace NASA's evacuated crew. The fresh team, consisting of three Americans and one Russian astronaut, docked successfully in their Soyuz capsule on October 21, 2023. This marks the first time since 2011 that a mixed crew from both nations has been stationed at the ISS. Their arrival ensures continuous occupation of the orbital laboratory, which had been temporarily unstaffed following NASA's evacuation earlier this month due to a medical emergency involving one of the astronauts.
The previous crew was forced to leave early after a Russian flight surgeon identified a health issue that required immediate attention on Earth. This unexpected departure left the ISS without a full complement of astronauts for the first time in nearly two decades. However, with the new team now aboard, operations can resume as planned. The incoming astronauts are set to carry out a range of scientific experiments and maintenance tasks during their six-month mission.
The new crew includes experienced astronauts from NASA and Roscosmos, ensuring seamless collaboration between the U.S. and Russia despite ongoing tensions in other areas. This mission highlights the importance of international cooperation in space exploration and underscores the ISS's role as a unique platform for global scientific research.
This event matters because it demonstrates the adaptability of the space program and the ability to maintain continuity even in challenging circumstances. The successful replacement of astronauts ensures that critical experiments and ISS operations continue uninterrupted, showcasing the resilience of human spaceflight and international collaboration in overcoming obstacles.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/14/2026