SpaceX Crew-12 launches to ISS: New science expedition begins
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 14, 2026, 00:11 IST
On February 13, 2026, a dynamic team of four astronauts embarked on a groundbreaking journey to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. This exciting mission isn't just about reaching new heights; it's a strategic expedition aimed at unlocking the secrets of deep space while simultaneously enhancing our lives back on Earth.
Four crew members launched to the International Space Station on February 13, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft for a science expedition. The mission, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12, is the 12th crew rotation mission under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, aiming to conduct scientific research that advances critical technologies for deep space exploration and benefits life on Earth. The crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft lifted off at 5:15 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 14.
“With Crew-12 safely on orbit, America and our international partners once again demonstrated the professionalism, preparation, and teamwork required for human spaceflight,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
He further stated, “The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth. I’m grateful to the NASA and SpaceX teams whose discipline, rigor, and resilience made today’s launch possible. We undertake these missions with a clear understanding of risk, managing it responsibly so we can continue expanding human presence in low Earth orbit while preparing for our next great leap to the Moon and onward to Mars.”
During the Dragon spacecraft's flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA will oversee space station operations from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA's live coverage of the mission resumed at 1:15 p.m. Saturday on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency’s YouTube channel, focusing on the rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening. Following docking, the crew will change into their spacesuits and prepare cargo for offload. The hatch between the Dragon spacecraft and the space station’s Harmony module is expected to open around 5 p.m. NASA also provided coverage of the welcome ceremony aboard the space station shortly after the hatch opening.
Upon arrival, Meir, Hathaway, Adenot, and Fedyaev will join the Expedition 74 crew. This existing crew includes NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. Their arrival will restore the space station to its standard complement of seven crew members, following the departure of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission on January 14.
During their mission, the Crew-12 members will engage in scientific research aimed at preparing for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefiting humanity on Earth. Their research includes studying pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve cardiovascular treatments. They will also work on developing on-demand intravenous fluid generation for future space missions.
Another area of investigation will focus on how physical characteristics may affect blood flow during spaceflight. Additional experiments are planned for automated plant health monitoring. The crew will also conduct investigations into plant and nitrogen-fixing microbe interactions to enhance food production capabilities in space.
Crew-12 is an integral part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This program is designed to provide reliable access to space. It also aims to maximize the use of the International Space Station for research and development. Furthermore, it supports future missions beyond low Earth orbit by fostering partnerships with private companies for astronaut transportation.
The launch was a significant event for the Commercial Crew Program, which has been instrumental in enabling regular crewed missions to the orbiting laboratory. This program represents a collaborative effort between NASA and private industry to advance human spaceflight capabilities. The successful launch underscores the ongoing commitment to international cooperation in space exploration. The scientific endeavors planned for the mission are expected to yield valuable data and insights. These findings will contribute to both future space missions and terrestrial applications. The crew's diverse backgrounds and expertise will be crucial in carrying out the complex research objectives. The International Space Station continues to serve as a vital platform for scientific discovery and technological innovation. The ongoing operations aboard the station are essential for preparing for future endeavors, including missions to the Moon and Mars. The dedication of the ground support teams and the astronauts themselves is paramount to the success of these complex missions. The continuous monitoring and operational support provided by mission control centers are critical for ensuring the safety and success of the crew and the spacecraft. The live coverage provided by NASA allows the public to follow these historic missions and learn about the ongoing scientific work. The welcome ceremony marks the official beginning of the crew's stay aboard the space station and their integration with the existing Expedition crew. The transition of crew members is a carefully managed process to ensure continuity of operations and research. The scientific experiments planned are designed to address specific challenges and opportunities related to long-duration spaceflight and human health. The development of new technologies for space missions often has spin-off benefits for life on Earth. The research on plant growth and microbial interactions is particularly relevant for future long-duration missions where self-sufficiency in food production will be crucial. The study of blood flow and cardiovascular health is important for understanding the effects of microgravity on the human body. The development of on-demand IV fluid generation addresses a critical need for medical support in remote and isolated environments. The Commercial Crew Program's success is a testament to the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in achieving ambitious space exploration goals. The program's focus on reliability and cost-effectiveness is key to sustaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. The ongoing research aboard the ISS contributes to a broader understanding of human physiology and the potential for life beyond Earth. The collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, ESA, and Roscosmos highlights the global nature of space exploration. The successful docking of the Dragon spacecraft is a critical milestone in the mission, enabling the crew to begin their scientific work. The preparation for cargo offload and the subsequent hatch opening are important steps in integrating the new crew with the station. The welcome ceremony signifies the formal commencement of the crew's duties and their integration into the ISS community. The return to a full seven-person crew complement enhances the station's research capacity and operational capabilities. The departure of the previous crew marks the end of their mission and their return to Earth. The ongoing cycle of crew rotations ensures continuous scientific operations and maintenance of the space station. The research conducted by Crew-12 will build upon the knowledge gained from previous missions. The focus on deep space exploration technologies is crucial for future human missions to other celestial bodies. The benefits to humanity on Earth derived from space research are a key justification for these endeavors. The partnership with private companies like SpaceX has revolutionized access to space for NASA. The Commercial Crew Program has demonstrated the viability of commercial spaceflight for transporting astronauts. The ongoing development of space exploration capabilities is essential for the long-term advancement of human civilization. The International Space Station remains a cornerstone of international cooperation and scientific advancement in space.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft lifted off at 5:15 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 14.
“With Crew-12 safely on orbit, America and our international partners once again demonstrated the professionalism, preparation, and teamwork required for human spaceflight,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
He further stated, “The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth. I’m grateful to the NASA and SpaceX teams whose discipline, rigor, and resilience made today’s launch possible. We undertake these missions with a clear understanding of risk, managing it responsibly so we can continue expanding human presence in low Earth orbit while preparing for our next great leap to the Moon and onward to Mars.”
During the Dragon spacecraft's flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA will oversee space station operations from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA's live coverage of the mission resumed at 1:15 p.m. Saturday on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency’s YouTube channel, focusing on the rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening. Following docking, the crew will change into their spacesuits and prepare cargo for offload. The hatch between the Dragon spacecraft and the space station’s Harmony module is expected to open around 5 p.m. NASA also provided coverage of the welcome ceremony aboard the space station shortly after the hatch opening.
Upon arrival, Meir, Hathaway, Adenot, and Fedyaev will join the Expedition 74 crew. This existing crew includes NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. Their arrival will restore the space station to its standard complement of seven crew members, following the departure of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission on January 14.
During their mission, the Crew-12 members will engage in scientific research aimed at preparing for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefiting humanity on Earth. Their research includes studying pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve cardiovascular treatments. They will also work on developing on-demand intravenous fluid generation for future space missions.
Another area of investigation will focus on how physical characteristics may affect blood flow during spaceflight. Additional experiments are planned for automated plant health monitoring. The crew will also conduct investigations into plant and nitrogen-fixing microbe interactions to enhance food production capabilities in space.
Crew-12 is an integral part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This program is designed to provide reliable access to space. It also aims to maximize the use of the International Space Station for research and development. Furthermore, it supports future missions beyond low Earth orbit by fostering partnerships with private companies for astronaut transportation.
The launch was a significant event for the Commercial Crew Program, which has been instrumental in enabling regular crewed missions to the orbiting laboratory. This program represents a collaborative effort between NASA and private industry to advance human spaceflight capabilities. The successful launch underscores the ongoing commitment to international cooperation in space exploration. The scientific endeavors planned for the mission are expected to yield valuable data and insights. These findings will contribute to both future space missions and terrestrial applications. The crew's diverse backgrounds and expertise will be crucial in carrying out the complex research objectives. The International Space Station continues to serve as a vital platform for scientific discovery and technological innovation. The ongoing operations aboard the station are essential for preparing for future endeavors, including missions to the Moon and Mars. The dedication of the ground support teams and the astronauts themselves is paramount to the success of these complex missions. The continuous monitoring and operational support provided by mission control centers are critical for ensuring the safety and success of the crew and the spacecraft. The live coverage provided by NASA allows the public to follow these historic missions and learn about the ongoing scientific work. The welcome ceremony marks the official beginning of the crew's stay aboard the space station and their integration with the existing Expedition crew. The transition of crew members is a carefully managed process to ensure continuity of operations and research. The scientific experiments planned are designed to address specific challenges and opportunities related to long-duration spaceflight and human health. The development of new technologies for space missions often has spin-off benefits for life on Earth. The research on plant growth and microbial interactions is particularly relevant for future long-duration missions where self-sufficiency in food production will be crucial. The study of blood flow and cardiovascular health is important for understanding the effects of microgravity on the human body. The development of on-demand IV fluid generation addresses a critical need for medical support in remote and isolated environments. The Commercial Crew Program's success is a testament to the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in achieving ambitious space exploration goals. The program's focus on reliability and cost-effectiveness is key to sustaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. The ongoing research aboard the ISS contributes to a broader understanding of human physiology and the potential for life beyond Earth. The collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, ESA, and Roscosmos highlights the global nature of space exploration. The successful docking of the Dragon spacecraft is a critical milestone in the mission, enabling the crew to begin their scientific work. The preparation for cargo offload and the subsequent hatch opening are important steps in integrating the new crew with the station. The welcome ceremony signifies the formal commencement of the crew's duties and their integration into the ISS community. The return to a full seven-person crew complement enhances the station's research capacity and operational capabilities. The departure of the previous crew marks the end of their mission and their return to Earth. The ongoing cycle of crew rotations ensures continuous scientific operations and maintenance of the space station. The research conducted by Crew-12 will build upon the knowledge gained from previous missions. The focus on deep space exploration technologies is crucial for future human missions to other celestial bodies. The benefits to humanity on Earth derived from space research are a key justification for these endeavors. The partnership with private companies like SpaceX has revolutionized access to space for NASA. The Commercial Crew Program has demonstrated the viability of commercial spaceflight for transporting astronauts. The ongoing development of space exploration capabilities is essential for the long-term advancement of human civilization. The International Space Station remains a cornerstone of international cooperation and scientific advancement in space.