SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission has officially taken off, with astronauts now en route to the International Space Station (ISS) following a successful launch. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:15 a.m. EST on February 13, 2026. The crew members, which include NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedaev, are embarking on an eight-month journey aboard the Crew Dragon capsule named “Freedom.”
With a picturesque view of Earth during sunrise captured from the Falcon 9’s upper stage, the Crew-12 astronauts will soon change out of their launch suits and prepare for their time on the ISS. The next significant milestone will be their docking with the ISS, expected to occur on February 14 at approximately 3:15 p.m. EST. NASA’s live coverage of the docking event will commence at 1:15 p.m. EST, allowing viewers to witness this special moment on Valentine’s Day.
In a delightful twist, the Crew-12 astronauts shared a unique zero-gravity indicator for their mission: a handmade crocheted model of Earth, designed by Meir’s childhood friend and representing each crew member with connected satellites. This endearing gesture underscores the camaraderie and personal connections among the astronauts.
After reaching orbit, the crew delivered an inspiring message, reflecting on the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of supporting one another. “Take care of one another and keep reaching higher. That’s how human beings soar and how we make each other proud,” they expressed.
As the mission progresses smoothly, SpaceX’s first-stage booster successfully landed back on Earth, marking another successful step in the reuse of its rocket technology. This feat embodies SpaceX’s commitment to innovative and sustainable space travel.
The Crew-12 mission represents a significant accomplishment for NASA and SpaceX, especially following the early return of Crew-11 due to medical circumstances, making this flight crucial for the continuity of operations on the ISS. With a strong launch and positive sentiments surrounding the mission, the team looks forward to making further scientific advancements during their time in space.
The Crew-12 adventure highlights humanity’s enduring spirit of exploration and collaboration, paving the way for future missions that promise to deepen our understanding of life beyond Earth.