NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 to Conduct Variety of Science Experiments on ISS

Eight-month mission will study pneumonia bacteria, plant growth, and more to benefit future space exploration and life on Earth

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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During its eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station, NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 will conduct a range of science experiments aimed at advancing research and technology for future missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as benefiting humanity on Earth. The crew will study how pneumonia-causing bacteria can lead to long-term heart damage, research on how physical characteristics may affect blood flow during spaceflight, and improve on-demand IV fluid generation. They will also investigate automated plant health monitoring and the interactions between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes to help develop ways for growing food during future space missions.

Why it matters

The research conducted by Crew-12 aboard the ISS will help NASA and commercial partners overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As NASA focuses its resources on deep space missions to the Moon as part of the Artemis campaign, the ISS remains a critical testbed for understanding the impacts of microgravity and developing technologies to support future human missions to Mars.

The details

The Crew-12 mission will include a variety of science experiments, including studying how pneumonia-causing bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to long-term heart damage, which may be exacerbated in the unique conditions of space. Researchers will also look at how physical characteristics may affect blood flow during spaceflight and work to improve on-demand IV fluid generation technology that could be used on future exploration missions. Additionally, the crew will investigate automated plant health monitoring and the interactions between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes, research that could help develop ways for growing food during future space missions.

  • Crew-12 will embark on an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station.
  • The mission is scheduled to begin in early 2026.

The players

International Space Station

The orbiting laboratory where Crew-12 will conduct its experiments and research.

NASA

The U.S. space agency overseeing the Crew-12 mission and its scientific objectives.

SpaceX

The commercial space company providing the transportation for Crew-12 to the International Space Station.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The institution leading the research on how pneumonia-causing bacteria can lead to long-term heart damage in microgravity conditions.

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What’s next

The Crew-12 mission is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and last for eight months aboard the International Space Station. The results of the various science experiments conducted during the mission will help inform future space exploration efforts and benefit research on Earth.

The takeaway

The Crew-12 mission aboard the International Space Station represents an important step in NASA's efforts to advance scientific research and technology development for future deep space missions, while also leveraging the unique microgravity environment to make breakthroughs that can benefit life on Earth. The diverse range of experiments planned for the mission, from studying pneumonia-causing bacteria to developing improved plant growth techniques, underscores the valuable role the ISS continues to play as a critical testbed for overcoming the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.