New Astronauts Arrive at ISS for 8-Month Mission After Early Evacuation

NASA Commander Jessica Meir leads an international crew, including France's second woman in space, to the orbiting laboratory.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Four new astronauts from the U.S., France, and Russia have arrived at the International Space Station, bringing the lab back up to full capacity after several of their colleagues were forced to leave early last month due to a medical emergency. The crew, led by NASA Commander Jessica Meir, will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations during their eight to nine-month mission.

Why it matters

The arrival of the new crew restores the ISS to its full complement of astronauts after an unprecedented early evacuation, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the space program. The mission will advance scientific understanding and prepare for future exploration to the Moon and Mars.

The details

The astronauts launched from Cape Canaveral on Friday aboard a SpaceX rocket and docked with the ISS on Saturday after a 34-hour journey. The crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France's second woman in space Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev. Meir and Fedyaev have previous ISS experience, while Adenot and Hathaway are making their first trips to the orbiting laboratory.

  • The astronauts launched from Cape Canaveral on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The crew docked with the ISS on Saturday, February 15, 2026 at 3:15 p.m. CT.
  • The crew will remain on the ISS for 8 to 9 months.

The players

Jessica Meir

NASA Commander and marine biologist, she is leading the new crew to the ISS and has previous experience on the orbiting laboratory, including participating in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019.

Jack Hathaway

NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain, making his first trip to the ISS.

Sophie Adenot

French astronaut and military helicopter pilot, she is the second French woman to go to space.

Andrei Fedyaev

Russian cosmonaut and former military pilot, he has previous experience on the ISS.

Jared Isaacman

NASA Administrator, he praised the mission's focus and adaptability in the face of the recent medical emergency.

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What they’re saying

“That was quite the ride. We have left the Earth, but the Earth has not left us.”

— Jessica Meir, NASA Commander (BBC News)

“What an absolutely wonderful start to the day. This mission has shown in many ways what it means to be mission-focused at NASA.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The new crew will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations during their 8-9 month mission to help prepare for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.

The takeaway

The arrival of the new international crew to the ISS after an unprecedented early evacuation demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the space program, as it continues to advance scientific understanding and prepare for humanity's next steps in space exploration.