Crew-12 Go for Launch to the ISS
Crew-12 Go for Launch to the ISS
February 13, 2026
Crew-12 is go for launch! This morning at 5:15 a.m. EST, a powerful SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roared to life from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, sending four astronauts skyward aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft named Freedom. It’s a proud moment for NASA and America, with two seasoned U.S. astronauts at the helm—Commander Jessica Meir and Pilot Jack Hathaway—leading an international team to the International Space Station (ISS).
The launch marks the 12th operational crew rotation under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, a partnership that’s revolutionized human spaceflight by bringing reliable, American-built rides to orbit. After the unexpected early return of Crew-11 due to a medical issue—the first medical evacuation in ISS history—Crew-12 stepped up on short notice to restore the station’s full seven-person crew. These heroes will spend the next eight months conducting cutting-edge science, technology demos, and maintenance that pave the way for future Moon missions, Mars exploration, and breakthroughs right here on Earth.
Meet the crew:
- Jessica Meir (NASA, Commander) – A veteran spacewalker from Caribou, Maine, with a background in physiology and a passion for extreme environments.
- Jack Hathaway (NASA, Pilot) – A U.S. Navy commander with thousands of flight hours, making his first trip to space aboard this Dragon.
- Sophie Adenot (ESA, Mission Specialist) – A French test pilot and engineer bringing European expertise.
- Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos, Mission Specialist) – A Russian cosmonaut adding international collaboration to the mix.
As the Falcon 9’s first stage separated and landed flawlessly back at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 40, the Dragon pushed into orbit. The crew reported smooth sailing: “We have left the Earth, but the Earth has not left us,” capturing that timeless wonder of seeing our blue planet from above.
En route to docking on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3:15 p.m. EST, the team will monitor systems, conduct checks, and prepare for arrival. Once aboard, they’ll dive into experiments ranging from advanced medical research—like generating IV fluids on demand and studying blood flow in microgravity—to plant growth for future deep-space food systems and microbe studies that could improve agriculture back home.
This mission highlights the strength of American innovation: SpaceX’s reusable rockets, NASA’s visionary leadership, and the unbreakable spirit of our astronauts. From the Space Coast’s historic launch pads to the stars, Crew-12 reminds us why America leads in space exploration—pushing boundaries, inspiring the next generation, and uniting nations for the greater good.
Catch stunning live views of Earth from orbit and follow the docking coverage on NASA TV. Stay locked on ClickUSA News for the latest updates, exclusive mission insights, and what this means for America’s future in space. What excites you most about Crew-12? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 
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