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SpaceX returns 4 astronauts to Earth, ending 200-day flight

Space Station
Posted at 11:14 PM, Nov 08, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-08 23:14:16-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Four astronauts are back on Earth after a 200-day space station mission.

They rode home Monday in a SpaceX capsule, parachuting into the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola, Florida, in darkness.

The astronauts from the U.S., France and Japan departed the International Space Station eight hours earlier.

The toilet in their capsule was broken, so they had to rely on diapers.

SpaceX is now turning its attention to the launch of their four replacements, as early as Wednesday night. SpaceX says weather is 80% favorable for liftoff.