SpaceX is back in action. The company will launch its Crew-12 astronaut mission to the International Space Station on Friday, February 13, 2026. The launch is scheduled for 5:15 a.m. EST.
Brief Pause in Operations
SpaceX recently resumed Falcon 9 orbital flights after a short pause. The pause came after an upper stage issue during a Starlink mission. The Federal Aviation Administration cleared SpaceX to fly again on February 6.
A successful Starlink launch on February 7 proved the rocket was ready. Now Crew-12 is cleared for liftoff.
What Caused the Delay?
On February 2, a Falcon 9 upper stage experienced an unusual problem. The issue happened after the rocket deployed its Starlink satellites. A gas bubble formed in a transfer tube. This prevented the engine from igniting for its deorbit burn.
The stage safely reentered Earth’s atmosphere over the Southern Indian Ocean about 10.5 hours later. SpaceX and the FAA immediately investigated.
Quick Investigation and Resolution
The investigation moved remarkably fast. SpaceX identified the root cause within days. The company implemented technical and organizational fixes. The FAA accepted SpaceX’s findings and cleared the rocket to fly.
NASA also reviewed the situation independently. The space agency determined the issue posed no risk to crewed missions. The Falcon 9 uses a different deorbit profile for astronaut flights. This means crew safety was never compromised during ascent.
Weather Delays Push Launch Date
The Crew-12 mission was originally scheduled for February 11. Weather conditions along the flight path forced a delay. Mission teams reviewed forecast weather on February 9. High winds along the Atlantic Coast raised concerns.
The launch was pushed to February 12. Another weather review on February 10 resulted in another delay. Teams now target Friday, February 13, for liftoff.
Weather at the launch site looks 85% favorable. Cumulus clouds remain the main concern.
Meet the Crew-12 Astronauts
Four astronauts will fly to the International Space Station. Jessica Meir from NASA serves as commander. This won’t be her first trip to space.
Jack Hathaway, also from NASA, will pilot the spacecraft. Sophie Adenot represents the European Space Agency as a mission specialist. This will be Adenot’s first journey to space. The mission is called “Epsilon” for ESA’s portion.
Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos rounds out the crew as mission specialist. Fedyaev replaces cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev. Artemyev was removed from the mission in December 2025.
The Dragon Spacecraft “Freedom”
The crew will fly aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft named “Freedom.” This spacecraft has an impressive track record. It previously flew the Crew-4 mission. It also supported the Ax-2 and Ax-3 commercial missions.
Most recently, it carried the Crew-9 mission. This will be Freedom’s fifth trip to the space station.
Falcon 9 Rocket Details
The Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket will power the mission. The first-stage booster will make its second flight. It previously launched a Starlink mission.
After stage separation, the booster will land at Cape Canaveral. Landing Zone 40 will receive the returning rocket. This allows SpaceX to reuse the booster for future missions.
Launch Location and Viewing
The launch takes place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Specifically, the rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex-40. This marks a historic moment for SLC-40.
The pad was recently upgraded to support crewed missions. Previously, crew launches only happened from Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A. Now SpaceX has two pads capable of launching astronauts.
Journey to the Space Station
The trip to the International Space Station typically takes about 24 hours. Dragon will autonomously dock at the Harmony module. Docking is expected around 3:15 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 14.
The crew will then enter the station and join Expedition 74.
Extended Mission Duration
This crew will stay aboard the space station longer than usual. Their mission will last eight to nine months. Typical missions last about six months.
The extended duration is due to recent crew rotation schedules. The early return of Crew-11 in January affected the timeline. One crew member on Crew-11 experienced a medical issue. This led to their early departure from the station.
Why This Launch Matters
The International Space Station currently operates with a reduced crew. Only three astronauts are aboard right now. Crew-12 will restore the station to its full complement. This allows for more scientific research and maintenance work.
What the Crew Will Do
The astronauts will conduct numerous experiments during their stay. One focus area is plant micronutrients. The team will explore recycling inedible plant parts. These parts can be converted into nutrients for future crops. This research is crucial for long-duration space missions.
Another experiment involves protein crystal growth. The crew will work with a pharmaceutical company on this project. Growing crystals in microgravity produces better results than on Earth.
Space Debris and Deorbit Burns
SpaceX takes space debris seriously. The company actively works to deorbit upper stages after missions. In 2024, 13 of 134 Falcon 9 upper stages remained in orbit. That number improved dramatically in 2025.
Only three out of 165 stayed in orbit last year. Six of those 16 total stages have since reentered naturally. The remaining stages are continuously tracked. This allows satellites to adjust their orbits if needed.
SpaceX continues refining its deorbit burn procedures. The goal is to leave zero space debris behind.
NASA’s Confidence in SpaceX
NASA maintains strong confidence in SpaceX’s capabilities. The space agency conducted a Flight Readiness Review on February 6. Mission managers called it “very clean.” No significant issues were identified.
Steve Stich leads NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. He emphasized the team would launch when ready. Safety remains the absolute priority.
Commercial Crew Program Success
Crew-12 represents the 12th crew rotation mission under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. It’s the 13th overall crewed flight for SpaceX. This includes the historic Demo-2 test flight in 2020.
The program has revolutionized access to the space station. SpaceX now routinely transports astronauts to and from orbit.
Live Coverage Details
NASA will provide extensive live coverage of the launch. Coverage begins at 3:15 a.m. EST on February 13. Viewers can watch on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
Blog updates will start even earlier at 1:15 a.m. A live video feed of the launch pad will be available six hours before liftoff. Find it on YouTube at youtube.com/kscnewsroom.
SpaceX will also stream the launch on its website and X platform. Their webcast typically begins one hour before liftoff.
Post-Launch Coverage
After launch, NASA will provide audio-only updates. These will feature discussions between the crew, station, and flight controllers.
The docking and welcome ceremony will be livestreamed. ESA will host broadcasts in both English and French.
International Cooperation
The mission showcases international cooperation in space. NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos are all represented. Despite geopolitical tensions on Earth, space partnerships continue.
The International Space Station remains a symbol of global collaboration.
The Broader Space Context
This launch comes during a busy period for human spaceflight. NASA is simultaneously preparing for its Artemis 2 moon mission. That mission will send four astronauts around the moon.
SpaceX is also developing its next-generation Starship rocket. The company targets mid-March for Starship Version 3’s first flight.
Return to Normalcy
The successful resolution of the upper stage issue demonstrates SpaceX’s maturity. The company quickly identified the problem. It implemented fixes and returned to flight within days.
This rapid turnaround is crucial for maintaining launch schedules.
Looking Ahead
After Crew-12 docks, the space station will be fully staffed again. Research activities will ramp up. The crew will also prepare for the departure of SpaceX-33 cargo vehicle.
That departure is planned for sometime after February.
The Future of Space Travel
Missions like Crew-12 are becoming routine. But each launch remains remarkable. Sending humans to space is never ordinary.
Every mission advances our understanding of living and working in orbit. The data gathered helps prepare for future deep space missions. Mars missions will require even longer stays in space. The lessons learned on the ISS are invaluable.
Final Preparations
The four astronauts are currently in quarantine at Kennedy Space Center. They’re following standard pre-flight protocols. On Monday, February 9, they conducted a full dress rehearsal. This included putting on spacesuits and strapping into Dragon.
The crew also held their final pre-launch news conference. They answered questions virtually from the Astronaut Crew Quarters.
Technical Excellence
The Crew-12 mission represents years of development work. SpaceX has perfected its crew transportation system. Dragon spacecraft are now veteran vehicles.
The Falcon 9 rocket is the most reliable launch vehicle in operation. It has completed hundreds of successful missions.
Weather Watch Continues
Weather remains the primary concern for launch. Mission teams will continue monitoring conditions. The forecast improves slightly for Friday. But teams must remain flexible.
If weather doesn’t cooperate, Saturday offers another opportunity. The launch window extends through the coming week.
Why February 13 Matters
Getting Crew-12 to the station quickly is important. The current skeleton crew has been managing well. But having a full complement allows for optimal operations.
Scientific research progresses faster with more hands available. Maintenance tasks can be completed more efficiently.
Space Station Operations
The International Space Station operates 24/7. It circles Earth every 90 minutes. The station travels at 17,500 miles per hour.
It orbits at an altitude of about 250 miles. Astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day.
Historical Significance
This launch continues America’s leadership in human spaceflight. The Commercial Crew Program ended U.S. reliance on Russian Soyuz rockets. NASA now has multiple options for reaching the space station.
This redundancy increases safety and flexibility.
What Success Looks Like
A successful mission means several things. First, a flawless launch and ascent to orbit. Second, a smooth 24-hour journey to the station. Third, perfect automated docking. Finally, safe crew transfer aboard the ISS.
Each milestone must be achieved.
The Road Ahead
After Crew-12 arrives, preparations begin for future missions. Crew-13 is already in training. The rotation of crews will continue throughout 2026.
Each mission builds on the success of previous flights. SpaceX continues improving its systems.
Lessons from Recent Issues
The upper stage issue provided valuable learning. SpaceX demonstrated its commitment to safety. The company didn’t rush back to flight. It took time to understand the problem completely.
This methodical approach builds confidence.
International Space Station at 25
The ISS launched 25 years ago. It has hosted crews continuously since November 2000. Over 280 people from 23 countries have visited.
The station represents humanity’s permanent presence in space. Crew-12 will add four more names to that list.
Final Countdown
As Friday approaches, excitement builds. The crew is ready. The spacecraft is ready. The rocket is ready.
Weather permitting, history will be made once again. Four astronauts will leave Earth. They’ll spend the next eight to nine months in orbit.
They’ll conduct groundbreaking research. They’ll inspire people around the world.
Why We Explore
Missions like Crew-12 remind us why space exploration matters. It pushes technological boundaries. It fosters international cooperation. It expands our understanding of the universe.
It prepares humanity for a multi-planetary future. Every launch is a step forward. Every mission brings us closer to new frontiers.
