Published on: February 13, 2026
Mission Name: NASA SpaceX Crew‑12
Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 + Crew Dragon
Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA

The NASA SpaceX Crew‑12 launch has successfully lifted off, marking another major milestone in human spaceflight. This mission continues NASA’s Commercial Crew Program partnership with SpaceX to transport astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

🛰️ What Is the SpaceX Crew‑12 Mission? (NASA + SpaceX)

The Crew‑12 mission is a crew rotation flight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Its purpose is to transport four international astronauts to the ISS where they will conduct research, maintain space station systems, and support long‑duration spaceflight science.

This mission is the 12th operational ISS crew rotation by SpaceX since the Commercial Crew Program began, using the reusable Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to reach low Earth orbit and rendezvous with the ISS.

📅 Launch Details – NASA SpaceX Crew‑12 Flight

• Launch Date & Time: February 13, 2026 at 5:15 a.m. EST (10:15 UTC)
• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC‑40), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5
• Spacecraft: Crew Dragon “Freedom”
• Mission Duration: ~8–9 months aboard ISS

After liftoff, the Crew Dragon will take approximately 34 hours to autonomously rendezvous and dock with the ISS Harmony Module — where Expedition‑level scientists and engineers await their arrival.

👩‍🚀 Meet the Crew‑12 Astronauts & Cosmonaut

The Crew‑12 team represents international collaboration between NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos:

These flight crews bring diverse scientific expertise and space mission experience to the ISS.

🧪 Why the Crew‑12 Mission Matters

The Crew‑12 flight is more than a routine transport:

🔬 Scientific Research at ISS

Once aboard the ISS, Crew‑12 will conduct experiments in biology, physics, and health — advancing knowledge vital for future space exploration and Earth‑based applications. Topics include:

• Studying bacterial responses in microgravity to support better treatment of pneumonia and cardiovascular issues.
• Plant growth and agriculture research in space, vital for long‑duration missions.
• Testing fluid and cardiovascular systems to support deep‑space missions.

📡 How to Watch Crew‑12 Launch & Docking

NASA and SpaceX provided multiple ways to stream the launch and docking events live:

• 🚀 NASA+ app
• 📺 NASA’s YouTube channel
• 📽️ Amazon Prime Video coverage
• 📳 Live broadcast on NASA social platforms

Coverage typically begins 2 hours before liftoff and includes telemetry, commentary, and landing visuals. Learn More U.S related News on Newsaxee

🧭 Crew‑12 Launch Highlights

Here’s what made the Crew‑12 launch stand out:

🟡 On‑time liftoff at SLC‑40 with perfect weather conditions.
🟡 Reusable Falcon 9 booster successfully returned to Landing Zone 40.
🟡 Crew Dragon Freedom separated and entered orbit smoothly for its journey to the ISS.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 When did NASA SpaceX Crew‑12 launch?

The Crew‑12 mission launched on February 13, 2026 at 5:15 a.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

🔹 Who are the astronauts aboard Crew‑12?

The mission includes Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev representing NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos.

🔹 What is the goal of this mission?

Crew‑12 will reach the ISS to support scientific research, station maintenance, and international space exploration collaboration.

🔹 How long will the Crew‑12 mission last?

The astronauts are expected to remain aboard the ISS for approximately 8‑9 months.

🔹 How can I watch the launch live?

Live coverage was available via NASA+, NASA’s YouTube channel, and Amazon Prime Video and continues for docking events.

Reference

https://www.livescience.com – Science news with space coverage (broader than just rockets).

https://www.space.com – Spaceflight & astronomy news site covering launches, missions, science, and more.

https://www.universetoday.com – Independent space and astronomy news blog.