SpaceX, NASA to Launch New ISS Crew, Ending Skeleton Staffing

Four-person Crew-12 mission will restore full complement of seven astronauts on the orbiting laboratory.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A SpaceX capsule is set to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), bringing the orbiting laboratory back to its full complement of seven crew members. The Crew-12 mission, scheduled to lift off on February 13, 2026, comes after the ISS has been operating with a reduced crew of three since mid-January, impacting research capabilities.

Why it matters

NASA prioritizes maintaining a full crew complement on the ISS to maximize the productivity and value of the $3 billion annual investment in the orbiting laboratory. The temporary reduction in crew size highlighted the importance of routine crew transport services provided by SpaceX in sustaining normal ISS operations.

The details

The Crew-12 mission will carry NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the ISS. While a typical handover period between incoming and outgoing crews wasn't possible due to the early departure of Crew-11, Meir confirmed her team had the opportunity to debrief with the returning astronauts on the ground.

  • The Crew-12 mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than 5:15 a.m. ET on Friday, February 13, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
  • The ISS has been operating with a reduced crew of three since mid-January 2026.

The players

Jessica Meir

NASA astronaut on the Crew-12 mission to the ISS.

Jack Hathaway

NASA astronaut on the Crew-12 mission to the ISS.

Sophie Adenot

European Space Agency astronaut on the Crew-12 mission to the ISS.

Andrey Fedyaev

Russian cosmonaut on the Crew-12 mission to the ISS.

Jared Isaacman

NASA Administrator.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.