NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France’s Sophie Adenot and Russia’s Andrey Fedyaev splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles after departing the International Space Station Wednesday aboard a SpaceX spacecraft.

The astronauts had originally expected to return sooner, but their replacements arrived three weeks late because of repairs to their spacecraft, extending an already lengthy mission.

Meir and the rest of the crew launched in February to replace four astronauts who had been sent home early after NASA astronaut Mike Fincke became ill. The incident marked NASA’s first medical evacuation from the space station in 65 years of human spaceflight.

After months in orbit, the returning astronauts said they were eager to reunite with their families and experience some of the ordinary comforts of Earth, including fresh air, showers and, in Adenot’s case, getting back into water sports.

“It’s a lot of mixed, swirling emotions for all of us,” Meir said while still aboard the station, adding that the crew would miss the “extraordinary views of our home planet.”

During the mission, the astronauts continued scientific research and maintenance aboard the 28-year-old space station. Meir completed four spacewalks, while Adenot ventured outside three times to conduct maintenance and upgrades.

The crew also marked major events from orbit. They watched the Artemis II astronauts travel around the moon and celebrated the United States’ 250th birthday. Meir even joined the Boston Pops remotely with her piccolo for a Fourth of July concert.

Despite the demanding workload, the astronauts found time for lighter moments, including a dance party last month and regular cooking demonstrations aboard the station.

Meir also shared a video offering tips for astronauts with curly hair, while Hathaway became known for his distinctive bushy naval aviator-style mustache. He grew the mustache before launching as a tribute to his Navy background, and some ground controllers even grew mustaches in solidarity.

Hathaway joked in August that the mustache had become part of his “brand” aboard the station and was unsure whether he would shave it after returning to Earth.

Seven astronauts remain aboard the International Space Station representing the United States, Russia and Canada. According to NASA, the station has hosted 298 visitors from 26 countries since it began welcoming crews in 2000.