The crew of Expedição 74 on Estação Espacial Internacional now has seven members following the successful arrival of the SpaceX mission Crew-12. The Dragon spacecraft docked with the Harmony module on February 14, 2026, at approximately 3:15 pm Eastern Estados Unidos time. The new members – the astronauts from Nasa Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, the ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and the cosmonaut from Roscosmos Andrey Fedyaev – joined the already present Chris Williams (Nasa), The integration allows for the complete resumption of the orbital laboratory’s advanced scientific and maintenance activities.
The four newcomers spent the weekend and part of Monday unloading scientific cargo and supplies from Dragon, as well as adapting to life in microgravity. The presence of seven crew members accelerates research into benefits for humans on Terra and in space, with a focus on health, space manufacturing and the effects of microgravity on the body.
Intensified scientific activities
Jessica Meir replaced a camera on the Microgravity Science Glovebox, in the Destiny module, for studies on pressure control in fuel tanks with cryogenic propellants. Ela also participated in unloading supplies and hardware from the station.
Jack Hathaway prepared equipment to measure body temperature adaptations in microgravity and reviewed operations on the Life Science Glovebox, in the Kibo module, with support from Tasks include precise monitoring of physiological responses.
Sophie Adenot traded computer hardware for research into drug manufacturing in space. Ela performed exercises monitored by advanced video that monitors the musculoskeletal system during activities in zero gravity.
Andrey Fedyaev began studies on the impacts of microgravity on balance, spatial orientation, cognition and breathing. The cosmonaut, who was already at the station in 2023, contributes experience in long-term experiments.
Maintenance and crew support
Chris Williams investigated the use of ultraviolet light to disinfect station surfaces and inhibit microbial growth. Essa approach protects crew health and equipment integrity in an orbital environment.
Sergey Kud-Sverchkov performed maintenance on the orbital plumbing system and life support on the Nauka module. Ele completed automated Terra photography sessions at various wavelengths during crew rest periods.
Sergei Mikaev inventoried Roscosmos’s hardware and explored artificial intelligence tools to optimize the team’s operational efficiency. The actions guarantee the continuous operation of the station’s systems.
Adaptation and integration of the new team
New members received orientation from existing crew on station hardware, systems and procedures. Familiarization included training in laboratory operations and adaptation to weightlessness.
The Crew-12 mission, launched on February 13, 2026 from Cabo Canaveral, on Flórida, marks the 12th commercial rotation of Nasa with SpaceX. The four astronauts begin a stay of several months focused on advanced research.
Health research and space technology
Ultrasound vein studies have been performed to monitor risks of blood clots from fluid changes in the body in microgravity. Técnicos on land followed in real time.
Pharmaceutical research has advanced with sample processing for drug development in orbit. Essas investigations explore unique advantages of the space environment.
Ventilation maintenance and inspections on American segment modules have been completed. Treinamentos doctors included use of defibrillators and eye exams.
Expedição 74, launched in December 2025, maintains ongoing operations with an emphasis on international collaboration. The arrival of the Crew-12 restores seven crew members to full capacity to maximize scientific experiments.
The crew performs daily tasks of transferring cargo, familiarizing with laboratories and maintaining life support. Essas activities ensure the continuity of investigations in microgravity.
