Crew-12 Launch Imminent: NASA and SpaceX ‘Proceed’ for Friday Liftoff
The countdown is on for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). With weather conditions looking exceptionally favorable – a 90% chance of good conditions – liftoff is currently scheduled for 5:15 a.m. EST (1015 GMT) on Friday, February 13, 2026. This launch is particularly significant as it serves as a relief crew following an unprecedented medical evacuation from the ISS last month.
A Replacement Crew and a Historic Return
Crew-12 is stepping in to replace the team of four astronauts from Crew-11, who returned to Earth earlier than anticipated due to a medical issue. This marked the first-ever medical evacuation from the space station, highlighting the critical need for a swift crew rotation. Originally slated for a March launch, the Crew-12 mission was expedited to address the situation.
Meet the Crew-12 Astronauts
The Crew-12 team comprises four experienced astronauts: Jessica Meir (NASA, Commander), Jack Hathaway (NASA, Pilot), Sophie Adenot (ESA, Mission Specialist) and Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos, Mission Specialist). They are prepared for an eight-month mission aboard the ISS, continuing vital research and maintaining the station’s operational capabilities.
Launch Location and Booster Recovery
The launch will originate from SpaceX’s Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This marks a shift from NASA’s Pad 39A for Dragon crew launches. SpaceX will closely monitor weather conditions not only for the launch itself but also for the Falcon 9 booster’s planned return to its landing site, paying particular attention to wind speeds.
The Future of Crewed Spaceflight
The Crew-12 mission exemplifies the growing reliance on commercial partnerships, specifically with SpaceX, for routine access to low Earth orbit. This collaboration is reshaping the landscape of space exploration, allowing NASA to focus on more ambitious goals like lunar and Martian missions.
Expanding Commercial Crew Capabilities
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon is the 20th crewed orbital flight of the spacecraft. This continued success demonstrates the reliability and scalability of commercial crew transportation systems. The ongoing Commercial Crew Program is vital for maintaining a continuous U.S. Presence in space and enabling groundbreaking research on the ISS.
Potential for Increased Launch Cadence
With the infrastructure and experience gained through missions like Crew-12, the frequency of crewed launches to the ISS is likely to increase. This will allow for more frequent crew rotations, maximizing the scientific output and operational efficiency of the space station.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the Crew-12 mission? To deliver a relief crew to the International Space Station following a medical emergency and continue vital research.
- When is the launch scheduled? February 13, 2026, at 5:15 a.m. EST (1015 GMT).
- Who are the Crew-12 astronauts? Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev.
- Where is the launch taking place? From SpaceX’s Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Watch the launch live on NASA TV, with livestream coverage beginning at 3:15 a.m. EST (0815 GMT).
Stay tuned for further updates as the launch window approaches.
