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

Four astronauts begin science expedition aboard the orbiting laboratory

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft atop carrying NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev lifted off at 5:15 a.m. EST on February 13, 2026, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to the International Space Station. NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 is the 12th crew rotation mission of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the space station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Why it matters

The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth. This mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which provides reliable access to space, maximizes the use of the station for research and development, and supports future missions beyond low Earth orbit.

The details

The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 14. During its mission, Crew-12 will conduct scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth, including studying pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve cardiovascular treatments, on-demand intravenous fluid generation for future space missions, and research on how physical characteristics may affect blood flow during spaceflight.

  • The spacecraft launched at 5:15 a.m. EST on February 13, 2026.
  • The spacecraft will dock to the International Space Station at approximately 3:15 p.m. on February 14, 2026.

The players

Jessica Meir

NASA astronaut on the Crew-12 mission.

Jack Hathaway

NASA astronaut on the Crew-12 mission.

Sophie Adenot

ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut on the Crew-12 mission.

Andrey Fedyaev

Roscosmos cosmonaut on the Crew-12 mission.

Jared Isaacman

NASA Administrator.

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What they’re saying

“With Crew-12 safely on orbit, America and our international partners once again demonstrated the professionalism, preparation, and teamwork required for human spaceflight.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator (nasa.gov)

What’s next

After docking, the crew will change out of their spacesuits and prepare cargo for offload before opening the hatch between Dragon and the space station's Harmony module around 5 p.m. NASA will provide coverage of the welcome ceremony aboard the space station shortly following hatch opening.

The takeaway

This mission is a testament to the successful collaboration between NASA and private companies like SpaceX, which is enabling more frequent and reliable access to the International Space Station for scientific research that benefits both space exploration and life on Earth.