NASA SpaceX Crew 12 launch lifted off from Florida early February 13, 2026, sending four astronauts on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roared into the pre-dawn sky at 5:15 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Within minutes, the Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully reached orbit, marking another milestone for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
The mission is now underway, with Crew-12 traveling toward a scheduled docking at the space station’s Harmony module. The flight continues the steady rotation of astronauts who live and work aboard the ISS, ensuring ongoing scientific research and station operations remain uninterrupted.
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Mission Snapshot
Here are the key details surrounding the NASA SpaceX Crew 12 launch:
- Launch Date: February 13, 2026
- Launch Time: 5:15 a.m. EST
- Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
- Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9
- Spacecraft: Crew Dragon “Freedom”
- Destination: International Space Station
- Mission Length: Approximately 8–9 months
This mission represents the 12th operational crew rotation flight conducted by SpaceX for NASA and the 13th crewed flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft overall.
Meet the Crew
The NASA SpaceX Crew 12 launch carries an international team of astronauts representing the United States, Europe, and Russia.
Crew Members:
- Jessica Meir (NASA) – Commander
- Jack Hathaway (NASA) – Pilot
- Sophie Adenot (European Space Agency) – Mission Specialist
- Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos) – Mission Specialist
Jessica Meir returns to orbit for her second mission. During her first flight, she participated in historic spacewalks and conducted extensive research. Jack Hathaway, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot, makes his first journey to space. Sophie Adenot also begins her first spaceflight, becoming part of Europe’s growing astronaut corps. Andrey Fedyaev adds further experience to the international partnership aboard the station.
Together, the four astronauts will integrate into the current ISS Expedition crew and continue scientific investigations that benefit life on Earth and future deep-space missions.
Launch Morning: A Flawless Ascent
Countdown operations proceeded smoothly in the hours before liftoff. After suit-up and final system checks, the astronauts boarded Crew Dragon “Freedom.”
At ignition, Falcon 9’s nine Merlin engines generated more than 1.7 million pounds of thrust. The rocket cleared the launch tower and accelerated through the atmosphere in clear early-morning conditions.
Roughly two and a half minutes after launch, the first stage separated and later completed a controlled landing, reinforcing SpaceX’s reusable rocket capabilities. The second stage continued to fire, placing Crew Dragon into orbit about 12 minutes after liftoff.
Shortly afterward, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and began its automated journey to rendezvous with the International Space Station.
Scientific Goals Aboard the ISS
The NASA SpaceX Crew 12 launch supports a broad range of research efforts aboard the orbiting laboratory. Over the next eight to nine months, the crew will focus on experiments spanning biology, medicine, materials science, and advanced technologies.
Key research areas include:
- Human health in microgravity: Studies examining immune system responses and long-duration spaceflight effects.
- Plant growth experiments: Research aimed at improving food sustainability for future lunar and Mars missions.
- Microbial investigations: Analysis of bacteria behavior in space environments.
- Technology demonstrations: Testing systems that could support Artemis lunar exploration and deep-space missions.
The ISS remains the only microgravity laboratory where long-term studies can occur continuously. Data collected during Crew-12’s mission will inform future exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
Commercial Crew Program Momentum
The NASA SpaceX Crew 12 launch highlights the maturity of NASA’s partnership with SpaceX. Since the first operational crew mission in 2020, the Commercial Crew Program has provided reliable transportation to and from the ISS.
This model allows NASA to focus resources on deep-space exploration while private industry manages crew transportation in low Earth orbit. Falcon 9’s consistent performance and Crew Dragon’s track record demonstrate how public-private collaboration reshaped American human spaceflight.
The reusable booster landing again underscored SpaceX’s cost-efficient approach. Reusability continues to reduce turnaround time and mission costs while maintaining high safety standards.
International Cooperation in Orbit
Crew-12’s multinational roster reflects the global nature of the ISS program. NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos maintain long-standing partnerships that allow astronauts from different countries to train and fly together.
That cooperation ensures diverse scientific perspectives and shared mission responsibilities. Even amid geopolitical tensions on Earth, collaboration in space remains strong and mission-focused.
The International Space Station continues to serve as a model of peaceful international cooperation, hosting astronauts from around the world for more than two decades.
What Happens Next
Crew Dragon “Freedom” will autonomously approach the ISS and dock with the forward-facing port of the Harmony module. After docking, the astronauts will undergo standard leak checks and hatch-opening procedures.
A formal welcome ceremony will follow once the new crew members join the station’s existing Expedition team.
Overlapping crews allow for a smooth handover of responsibilities. After a transition period, the outgoing crew will return to Earth aboard a separate Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Why This Mission Matters
The NASA SpaceX Crew 12 launch reinforces America’s sustained presence in space. Each crew rotation strengthens research continuity and prepares astronauts for more ambitious missions.
The knowledge gained aboard the ISS directly supports NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a long-term lunar presence. Lessons from long-duration missions also contribute to planning future crewed missions to Mars.
Reliable crew transportation remains critical for keeping the ISS fully staffed and scientifically productive. Crew-12 ensures that vital research continues without interruption.
A New Chapter in Human Spaceflight
The early morning launch from Florida once again captured national attention. For many Americans, it symbolized steady progress in human space exploration.
With Falcon 9 performing flawlessly and Crew Dragon safely in orbit, the NASA SpaceX Crew 12 launch stands as another successful chapter in NASA’s modern era of spaceflight.
Stay tuned for docking updates and mission milestones as Crew-12 begins its months-long journey aboard the International Space Station.
