NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 Launches to International Space Station

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully launched at 5:15 a.m. EST on Friday, February 13, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission carries four astronauts: NASA's Jessica Meir (commander) and Jack Hathaway (pilot), European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Freedom" atop a Falcon 9 rocket.

The launch was delayed by two days due to adverse weather conditions along the flight path. The crew is expected to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS) at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for an eight-month mission.

This mission follows the early return of Crew-11 in January due to a medical emergency, which left the ISS operating with a reduced crew. The arrival of Crew-12 will restore the station's full complement of seven astronauts, enabling the resumption of full scientific operations and spacewalks.

Adenot becomes the second French woman to fly to space, following Claudie Haigneré's mission to the Mir space station. Reflecting on her inspiration, Adenot recalled, "It was a revelation. At that moment, I told myself: one day, that will be me."

The Crew-12 mission includes testing innovative medical technologies, such as an IV water filter and AI-powered ultrasound systems, aimed at preparing for future moon and Mars missions.