NASA, SpaceX Set to Launch Crew-12 Mission from Florida

4 astronauts will blast off on the Crew-12 mission from the Kennedy Space Center.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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NASA and SpaceX are preparing to launch the Crew-12 mission with 4 astronauts from Florida's Kennedy Space Center on Friday morning. The launch is scheduled for 5:15 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Why it matters

This mission marks the 12th crew rotation flight to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA and SpaceX's partnership to provide crew transportation services. The research conducted by the Crew-12 astronauts during their time on the ISS will help prepare for future human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.

The details

The Crew Dragon spacecraft supporting this mission has previously flown the Crew-4, Ax-2, Ax-3, and Crew-9 missions to and from the space station. The first stage rocket booster has also been used before, having launched a Starlink mission. Following stage separation, the first stage will land at a SpaceX landing pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, triggering a sonic boom that will be audible in Brevard County and surrounding areas.

  • The Crew-12 astronauts suited up early Friday morning before making their way to the launchpad.
  • The launch is scheduled for 5:15 a.m. on February 13, 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

SpaceX

An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk, with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars.

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What’s next

Following the successful launch, the Crew-12 astronauts will travel to the International Space Station, where they will conduct new research to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth.

The takeaway

This Crew-12 mission is the latest in a series of successful collaborations between NASA and SpaceX, demonstrating their continued commitment to advancing space exploration and providing reliable crew transportation services to the International Space Station.