NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Launches to International Space Station: Mission Details, Crew, and Research Highlights

article image source: Nasa.gov (Link)

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Launches to International Space Station: Mission Details, Crew, and Research Highlights

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 Launch

Key Points:

SpaceX Crew-12 launched successfully with a four-member international crew.
Mission focuses on scientific research for space exploration and Earth benefits.
Crew joins Expedition 74, returning ISS to full seven-member complement.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully launched on February 13, 2026, marking another milestone in human spaceflight and international cooperation in orbit. The launch took place at 5:15 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft into orbit.

Aboard the spacecraft were NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock autonomously at the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module on February 14 at approximately 3:15 p.m. EST.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft atop carrying NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev lifts off at 5:15 a.m. EST, Feb. 13, 2026, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to the International Space Station. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 is the 12th crew rotation mission of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the space station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Credit: NASA, image source: nasa.gov

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the mission, highlighting the expertise and teamwork demonstrated by the international and commercial partners. “The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth,” he said, emphasizing the mission’s role in preparing for future lunar and Mars expeditions.

During the flight, SpaceX monitors automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control in Hawthorne, California, while NASA oversees space station operations from Johnson Space Center in Houston. Live coverage of docking and hatch opening will be available on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency’s YouTube channel, starting at 1:15 p.m. EST on February 14.

Once docked, Crew-12 will join the Expedition 74 team, which already includes NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. Their arrival restores the International Space Station to its standard seven-member crew following the departure of Crew-11 on January 14, 2026.

The mission’s research agenda is robust and multi-faceted, including studies on pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve cardiovascular treatments, on-demand intravenous fluid generation for future missions, and analysis of blood flow changes in microgravity. Additional experiments involve automated plant health monitoring and the interactions between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes, which could enhance space-based food production.

Crew-12 is a vital component of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which leverages private partnerships to provide reliable access to low Earth orbit. This collaboration maximizes the station’s research capabilities while paving the way for human missions beyond Earth’s orbit.

The success of Crew-12 exemplifies the synergy between government space agencies and commercial companies, underscoring the potential of human exploration in low Earth orbit and the future of deep space missions.

Conclusion

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission demonstrates how international collaboration, commercial innovation, and rigorous planning come together to expand humanity’s presence in space. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, the mission paves the way for safer, longer-duration space exploration and inspires global audiences about what’s possible when nations and private industry work together. As Crew-12 conducts experiments that could improve human health on Earth and enhance life-support systems in space, it represents a critical step toward lunar exploration and eventually reaching Mars.

Key Points Summary

SpaceX Crew-12 launched on February 13, 2026, with four international crew members.
Docking scheduled for Feb. 14 at the Harmony module of the ISS.
Crew will join Expedition 74, restoring the ISS to seven crew members.
Mission includes experiments on human health, plant growth, and space-based research.
Part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program supporting future deep space missions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission?
A: NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

Q: When did Crew-12 launch and when will it dock?
A: Launched February 13, 2026, at 5:15 a.m. EST; docking is scheduled for February 14, around 3:15 p.m. EST.

Q: What research will Crew-12 conduct?
A: Studies include pneumonia-causing bacteria, cardiovascular treatments, on-demand intravenous fluids, blood flow in microgravity, automated plant monitoring, and plant-microbe interactions.

Q: What is the Commercial Crew Program?
A: NASA’s program partnering with private companies to provide safe, reliable transport to the ISS, enabling research and preparation for missions beyond low Earth orbit.

Q: How can I watch Crew-12 docking live?
A: NASA+ streaming, Amazon Prime, and NASA’s YouTube channel, starting at 1:15 p.m. EST on February 14.

Sources

NASA – Official news release on Crew-12 launch and mission details
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-spacex-crew-12-launches-to-international-space-station/

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