What's Happening?
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) with a team of four astronauts, including NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA's Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos'
Andrey Fedyaev. The mission will focus on conducting a variety of scientific experiments over an eight-month period. These experiments aim to advance research and technology for future Moon and Mars missions, as well as benefit humanity on Earth. Key research areas include studying pneumonia-causing bacteria, generating intravenous fluids on-demand, monitoring plant health, and investigating plant and microbe interactions to enhance food production in space. The mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which collaborates with SpaceX to facilitate crew rotations to the ISS.
Why It's Important?
The Crew-12 mission is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and technology that could support future deep space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars. The research conducted during this mission has the potential to improve medical treatments and food production, both in space and on Earth. By understanding how physical characteristics affect blood flow during spaceflight, scientists can develop better health protocols for astronauts. Additionally, the mission supports NASA's goal of expanding commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit, which is essential for the sustainability of human space exploration.
What's Next?
Following the launch, the Crew-12 team will join the existing Expedition 74 crew on the ISS. They will conduct their planned experiments and participate in station maintenance and operations. The mission will also involve welcoming new crew members arriving on a Soyuz spacecraft and managing resupply missions from various spacecraft. The success of Crew-12 will contribute to NASA's ongoing efforts to prepare for the Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon and eventually send them to Mars.
