Four new astronauts arrive via SpaceX rocket at International Space Station
The Guardian World
by Associated PressFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The International Space Station (ISS) has resumed full crew operations following the arrival of four new astronauts, who replaced colleagues who were forced to evacuate earlier due to health concerns. The fresh crew, consisting of US, French, and Russian astronauts, arrived via a SpaceX rocket launched from Cape Canaveral. This successful mission marked a swift recovery for the ISS, which had temporarily lost its full complement of astronauts after the medical incident in January.
The evacuation in January left the ISS with only half its usual crew, disrupting ongoing experiments and operations. However, the arrival of the new astronauts on Saturday brought the station back to full strength just a day after their launch. This achievement highlights the resilience of international space programs and the critical role of maintaining a fully staffed crew for the continued success of ISS missions.
The replacement crew includes astronauts from multiple nations, underscoring the collaborative nature of the ISS program. Their arrival ensures that scientific research and maintenance work on the station can proceed without interruption. The use of SpaceX's reliable rocket system further demonstrates the growing role of private companies in space exploration, reinforcing theISS as a symbol of global cooperation and technological advancement.
This mission is significant not only for the restoration of full crew operations but also for its broader implications for international space efforts. The ability to quickly replace
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/14/2026