On February 14, 2026, the SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone for both SpaceX and NASA. The Crew Dragon capsule, aptly named “Freedom,” arrived at the ISS just in time for Valentine’s Day, completing a 34-hour journey that began with a launch from Florida’s Space Coast on February 13.
The Crew-12 team, consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, successfully docked with the ISS at approximately 3:15 p.m. EST (2015 GMT). Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Expedition 74 crew members Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergey Mikaev.
Expedition 74 commander Kud-Sverchkov expressed his relief and excitement, stating, “We say welcome to Crew-12 today and we are happy they all arrived safe and sound. We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time. So we are very happy and proud to work as a team here.” This spirit of collaboration highlights the ongoing importance of international partnerships in space exploration.
Prior to their docking, the Crew-12 astronauts managed several critical phases, including a midcourse maneuver and a series of pressure checks in their upgraded SpaceX suits. Interestingly, this mission features a new design for the suits, which enhances mobility, showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to continuous improvement.
As they approached the ISS, the Crew-12 team communicated with their colleagues on board, reflecting the bond and camaraderie that space missions foster. “It was great to see the ISS through our docking port window,” Meir conveyed excitedly. Their interaction emphasized the personal connections astronauts maintain, even in the vastness of space.
In a delightful personal touch, the Crew-12 astronauts revealed their zero-gravity indicator—an adorable crocheted representation of Earth, hand-made by Meir’s childhood best friend. The symbolic charm serves as a whimsical reminder of their shared mission and camaraderie as they embark on the next eight months of research and exploration aboard the ISS.
The successful docking of Crew-12 not only signifies their arrival but also reinforces the dynamic nature of contemporary space exploration, with private industry and government agencies working hand in hand. As the Crew-12 members settle into their new environment, they are poised to contribute significantly to ongoing scientific research, continuing humanity’s quest for knowledge beyond our planet.