UC San Diego Alumna Jessica Meir Returns to Space as Commander

Meir, a graduate of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will lead NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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UC San Diego alumna Jessica Meir, a NASA astronaut, is set to return to space on February 13, 2026 as part of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station. This time, Meir will serve as the spacecraft commander, a milestone that reflects her evolution from mentee to mentor. Over the next eight months, Meir and her crewmates will conduct scientific investigations and test new technologies to prepare for future missions to the moon and Mars.

Why it matters

Meir's journey from doctoral researcher at Scripps Oceanography to NASA astronaut and now spacecraft commander is an inspiring story that highlights UC San Diego's strong ties to the space program. Her accomplishments demonstrate the university's reputation for producing talented scientists and explorers who are making significant contributions to the advancement of space exploration and research.

The details

Meir, who earned her PhD in marine biology from Scripps Oceanography in 2009, is one of four remarkable UC San Diego alumnae who have served as NASA astronauts or been selected for the agency's astronaut program. During her first spaceflight in 2019, Meir led hundreds of research experiments and conducted a historic all-female spacewalk. In her new role as commander, Meir will be responsible for the well-being and development of her entire crew, in addition to her own individual preparation.

  • Meir and her crewmates lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on February 13, 2026.
  • Meir is expected to arrive at the International Space Station on February 14, 2026, following a 34-hour voyage aboard a Dragon spacecraft.

The players

Jessica Meir

A NASA astronaut and graduate of UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where she earned a PhD in marine biology in 2009. Meir is serving as the spacecraft commander for the SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station.

Meenakshi Wadhwa

The director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who praised Meir's accomplishments and the university's pride in having her as an alumna.

Paul Ponganis

Meir's advisor at Scripps Oceanography, who provided mentorship that supported her research and NASA dreams.

Jerry Kooyman

Meir's advisor at Scripps Oceanography, who provided mentorship that supported her research and NASA dreams.

Christina Koch

A NASA astronaut who conducted a historic all-female spacewalk with Meir during her first spaceflight.

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What they’re saying

“When we gaze at our planet from above, it is immediately clear that everything is interconnected. The vast oceans, the continuous land masses and all that they contain. We are one humankind here on our shared home planet.”

— Jessica Meir

“Jessica Meir's path from doctoral researcher at Scripps Oceanography to NASA astronaut and now spacecraft commander is inspiring. It is an honor for UC San Diego to count her as a proud alumna, and I know I join many on campus in looking forward to following her remarkable journey.”

— Meenakshi Wadhwa, Scripps Director

What’s next

Over the next eight months, Meir and her crewmates will live and work aboard the International Space Station, carrying out scientific investigations for Expeditions 74 and 75 and testing new technologies to prepare humans for future missions to the moon and Mars.

The takeaway

Meir's journey from Scripps Oceanography to NASA astronaut and now spacecraft commander exemplifies UC San Diego's reputation for producing talented scientists and explorers who are making significant contributions to the advancement of space exploration and research. Her accomplishments inspire the next generation of students to pursue their own ambitious dreams.