NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crew-12 Launch to International Space Station

NASA and SpaceX are preparing to launch the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5:15 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission aims to reinforce the ISS crew following a recent medical evacuation that left the station with a reduced staff.

The Crew-12 team comprises NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. Meir, serving as mission commander, is embarking on her second spaceflight, while Hathaway, Adenot, and Fedyaev are making their first journey to the ISS. The crew is scheduled to dock with the ISS approximately 10 hours after launch, joining the current Expedition 74 crew members.

During their eight-month mission, Crew-12 will conduct a variety of scientific experiments aimed at advancing research and technology for future Moon and Mars missions, as well as benefiting humanity on Earth. These studies include investigations into pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve treatments, on-demand intravenous fluid generation for future space missions, automated plant health monitoring, and research on plant and nitrogen-fixing microbe interactions to enhance food production in space.

Live coverage of the launch and docking will be available on NASA's streaming platforms, including NASA+ and the agency's YouTube channel. Coverage will begin at 3:15 a.m. EST on February 13, providing viewers with real-time updates on the mission's progress.

The Crew-12 mission marks the 12th crew rotation under NASA's Commercial Crew Program and the 13th flight with astronauts for NASA, including the Demo-2 test flight. This program is a collaborative effort between NASA and private industry partners like SpaceX to transport astronauts and cargo to the ISS, allowing NASA to focus on deep space exploration missions.

The successful launch and integration of Crew-12 are crucial for maintaining continuous human presence and scientific research aboard the ISS, especially following the recent medical evacuation that left the station with a reduced crew. The arrival of Crew-12 will restore the station's operational capacity and ensure the continuation of vital research activities.

For more information on the Crew-12 mission and live coverage details, visit NASA's official website.