Emergency Splashdown: SpaceX Crew Returns Safely To Earth

A SpaceX capsule with four astronauts made an emergency return to Earth due to a serious medical condition affecting one crewmember. The capsule successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near California, concluding a 10-hour-plus descent from the International Space Station.

A SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts made an emergency return to Earth, prompted by an undisclosed serious medical condition affecting one of the crew. The capsule splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California early Thursday morning.

The Crew Dragon capsule descended into calm seas near San Diego at 12:45 a.m. PST (0845 GMT). The event ended a 10-hour-plus journey from the International Space Station, with a fiery re-entry through Earth's atmosphere. NASA-SpaceX conducted a live webcast of the descent and landing.

(With inputs from agencies.)