SpaceX launched the Crew-12 mission on the morning of February 13, 2026, sending four astronauts to Estação Espacial Internacional (ISS). The Falcon 9 rocket took off at 5:15 am local time from Flórida (7:17 am local time from Brasília) from Estação from The Crew Dragon Freedom capsule transports the crew for an expected stay of around nine months in Earth orbit.
The operation marked SpaceX’s 12th manned operational mission in partnership with NASA. The flight reestablishes the standard configuration of seven crew members on the ISS after a period with reduced staff.
The crew includes professionals from three different space agencies. Arrival at the orbital station is scheduled for February 14, after approximately 34 hours of autonomous travel.
Release details
Falcon 9 completed all planned steps without any complications. The separation of the first stage occurred minutes after takeoff, allowing the Dragon capsule to continue its trajectory.
The mission had been postponed from February 11th to 13th due to unfavorable weather conditions on the coast of Flórida. Técnicos from SpaceX and NASA monitored meteorological parameters until confirming the launch window.
The Falcon 9 booster used had already flown on previous missions. The company maintains a component reuse program to reduce operating costs.
International crew
NASA Commander Jessica Meir leads the mission on her second spaceflight. The astronaut has previous experience on the ISS and training in marine biology.
Jack Hathaway acts as pilot and makes his first orbital trip. The American astronaut underwent extensive training to operate the Crew Dragon systems.
- Sophie Adenot, from Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA), debuts in space representing França.
- Andrey Fedyaev, from Roscosmos, participates in his second flight after a previous mission.
- The composition reflects the continuity of international cooperation on the ISS.
- The four professionals spent months in quarantine and simulations before launching.
Scientific objectives
Astronauts will conduct dozens of experiments during their stay at the orbital station. Research covers areas such as biology, fluid physics and testing new technologies for future missions.
Part of the studies focus on human behavior over long durations in space. Esses data contributes to planning trips to Lua and Marte in the Artemis program.
The crew will also perform scheduled maintenance on the ISS modules. Activities include equipment replacement and upgrades to life support systems.
The experiments involve collaboration between agencies from several countries. Resultados previous similar missions have already generated publications in specialized scientific journals.
Mission context
Crew-12 arrives to replace part of the previous crew who returned early for medical reasons. The ISS has operated with just three members since January, below the standard configuration.
The rotation has maintained a continuous human presence on the station since 2000. The orbital platform serves as a laboratory for research that cannot be carried out on the ground.
The partnership between NASA and SpaceX completed 12 manned operational flights. The Commercial Crew program allowed the American agency to resume launches from its territory after the end of the space shuttles.
Capsule trajectory
Crew Dragon Freedom follows an autonomous trajectory until the encounter with the ISS. Sensores and onboard computers constantly adjust the orbit for precise docking.
The final approach occurs automatically with supervision from the crew and ground control. The dock is programmed for the station’s Harmony module.
After docking, the astronauts undergo pressure equalization procedures. They then open the hatches to join the team residing on the ISS.
Operational importance
The mission demonstrates the maturity of the Crew Dragon system after years of operation. SpaceX has carried out more than 20 crewed flights including tests and commercial missions.
Reusing capsules and boosters has significantly reduced space access costs. NASA contracts services for lower prices than previous programs.
The presence of European and Russian representatives reinforces international cooperation. Mesmo In a period of geopolitical tensions, the ISS program maintains operational agreements between agencies.
Planned activities
During the nine months, the crew will participate in spacewalks when necessary. Extravehicular exits are used for maintenance and installation of new equipment.
The astronauts will also conduct educational sessions with students on the ground. Live broadcasts allow direct interaction with schools and universities.
Part of the schedule includes testing long-term life support systems. Esses experiments are crucial for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.
The Crew-12 mission consolidates SpaceX’s role as the main provider of manned transport to the ISS. The company is preparing new versions of the capsule for longer flights and destinations beyond the orbital station.
