Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola was ready, and history was made. When SpaceX’s Crew-8 astronauts needed medical assistance after 235 days in space, our hospital became the first civilian hospital in NASA’s 60-year history to provide care for returning astronauts.
As the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, our team was prepared. After years of training with NASA, we received the call: astronauts were en route for medical evaluations. With seamless coordination, our caregivers delivered expert care, earning praise from NASA for our efficiency, professionalism, and compassion.
Months later, at a NASA post-flight conference, our team was recognized for their exceptional care—an astronaut’s wife even embraced our staff in gratitude. This moment underscores Sacred Heart’s readiness to respond, no matter the emergency.
Your support makes this possible. Because of you, we provide life-changing care—not just for our community, but even for those returning from space. Thank you for being part of this incredible mission.