What's Happening?
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 members, including NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, participated in a traditional walkout ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This event,
which dates back to the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, allows crew members to wave goodbye to family and friends before heading to the launch site. The Crew-12 mission is notable for introducing the use of smartphones in orbit, enabling astronauts to document their journey and communicate with loved ones. The crew will be transported to Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for their scheduled launch.
Why It's Important?
The Crew-12 mission is a significant step in NASA's ongoing collaboration with SpaceX under the Commercial Crew Program. This mission not only continues the tradition of international cooperation in space exploration but also introduces new technology that enhances communication and documentation capabilities for astronauts. The use of smartphones in space represents a shift towards more personal and immediate sharing of experiences from orbit, potentially increasing public engagement and interest in space missions. The mission's success could further solidify SpaceX's role as a key partner in NASA's efforts to maintain a continuous human presence in space.
What's Next?
Following the walkout, the Crew-12 members will proceed to the launch pad for final preparations. The mission is set to launch on February 13, 2026, and will involve an eight-month stay on the International Space Station. During this time, the crew will conduct various scientific experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at supporting future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars. The mission's progress and updates will be shared through NASA's official channels, including their mission blog and social media platforms.
