What's Happening?
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on February 11, 2026. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev,
arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on February 6, 2026. They will remain in quarantine at the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building until the launch. The mission will lift off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40. NASA, SpaceX, and international partners have completed a Flight Readiness Review, giving the green light for launch preparations. The event will be streamed live, covering prelaunch, launch, and docking activities.
Why It's Important?
The Crew-12 mission is a significant step in NASA's ongoing collaboration with SpaceX and international partners to maintain a continuous human presence on the ISS. This mission underscores the importance of international cooperation in space exploration, involving astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos. The successful launch and operation of Crew-12 will contribute to scientific research and technological advancements conducted aboard the ISS, benefiting various fields such as medicine, materials science, and Earth observation. Additionally, the mission supports NASA's broader goals of deep space exploration and the eventual human missions to the Moon and Mars.
What's Next?
Following the launch, Crew-12 will embark on a journey to the ISS, where they will conduct a range of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. The mission will also involve maintenance and upgrades to the ISS infrastructure. The crew's activities will be closely monitored and supported by ground teams from NASA, SpaceX, and international partners. The success of Crew-12 will pave the way for future missions, including those under NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and prepare for human exploration of Mars.
