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Halloween Aboard the International Space Station
· Confirmed
In Short: NASA's Crew-12 astronauts have returned to Earth after an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station, splashing down safely off California.
NASA's Crew-12 astronauts, including Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev, concluded their eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station with a safe splashdown off the coast of California, as reported by NASA and English.
Daily Breeze noted that the Crew Dragon capsule, built by Hawthorne-based SpaceX, docked with the space station on Monday, Nov. 7, after a 27-hour automated flight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
SciTechDaily highlighted the crew's Halloween antics, with Thomas Pesquet posting on social media about strange occurrences on the ISS, while NASA mentioned that crew members still like to celebrate the holiday spirit despite the lack of trick-or-treaters.
Daily Breeze also reported that Victor Glover, a 1994 graduate of Ontario High School, became the first Black astronaut to serve on an extended Space Station Mission, a milestone celebrated by Superintendent Mathew Holton of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine praised Glover's achievement, stating, “To be the first Black astronaut on a long-term space station mission is an inspiration and represents the limitless possibilities of all of our students.”
NASA reported that the crew completed dozens of science experiments and research during their mission, including studies on stem cells, crystal growth in space, and bone loss in microgravity.
The crew's arrival was greeted with hugs and high spirits, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the space station.
Both Daily Breeze and NASA highlighted the importance of international cooperation in space exploration, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praising the expertise and competence of thousands across NASA, SpaceX, and international partners.
The Crew Dragon capsule's docking concluded a 27-hour automated flight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Daily Breeze noted that the capsule achieved “soft capture” with the space station at 8:01 p.m., while NASA reported that the crew was greeted by hugs and high spirits.
The Crew-12 mission was a significant milestone for space exploration, with the astronauts completing a wide range of scientific experiments and research.
The crew's return marked the end of a successful mission, with the astronauts returning safely to Earth after an eight-month stay aboard the International Space Station.
What this adds
The Daily Breeze and NASA both reported on the successful installation of the seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) by astronauts Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk, which will increase the power available aboard the station by up to 30%.
Daily Breeze noted that the crew's arrival was greeted with hugs and high spirits, while NASA emphasized the importance of international cooperation in space exploration.
Daily Breeze and NASA both highlighted the significance of Glover's achievement as the first Black astronaut to serve on an extended Space Station Mission, marking a milestone in space exploration.
Daily Breeze and NASA agreed that the Crew-12 mission was a success, with the astronauts completing a wide range of scientific experiments and research during their eight-month stay aboard the International Space Station.
Background
Two astronauts, NASA's Anil Menon and the Canadian Space Agency's Joshua Kutryk, successfully installed the seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) on Thursday, October 26, 2026, during a spacewalk that lasted seven hours and 11 minutes.
What's confirmed
- Although no ghouls, goblins, or trick-or-treaters come knocking at the International Space Station’s front hatch, crew members aboard the orbiting laboratory still like to get in the Halloween spirit.
What's still developing
- “Oh, what a good voice to hear,” space station astronaut Kate Rubins called out when the capsule’s commander first made radio contact.
- Explore stories, images, and research from more than 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the space station.
- Pesquet posted on social media that “Strange things were happening on ISS for Halloween. Aki rising from the dead (or is it from our observation window?),” referring to fellow crew member Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
- Undeterred, Expedition 66 crewmembers who awaited them aboard the station held their own Halloween shenanigans.
- A shipment of approximately 6,500 pounds of research materials and essential supplies is en route to the International Space Station following a SpaceX launch from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
- This mission underscores the station’s more than 25 years of enabling over 4,000 experiments conducted by scientists from over 110 countries, advancing preparations for long-duration missions and benefiting life on Earth.
- "The most interesting thing that I learned today was that there is a space station up in space," she said.
- Earlier this year, they took part in a project to design a badge that was sent into space, later seeing it float in zero gravity aboard the ISS.
- SpaceX is targeting early Tuesday morning to launch its next Dragon cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station.
- The mission, known as Commercial Resupply Services-35 (CRS-35), will deliver supplies and cargo to the orbiting laboratory as part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to support research and operations aboard the space station.
- SpaceX successfully launched its 35th commercial resupply mission for NASA on October 13, sending more than 6,300 pounds of scientific equipment, supplies and hardware toward the International Space Station (ISS).
- The spacecraft is scheduled to autonomously dock with the station's Harmony module at approximately 11 a.m.