SpaceX Crew-12 Launch: All You Need to Know

NASA Sets Briefings as SpaceX Crew-12 Prepares for ISS Mission

NASA has scheduled two news conferences on January 30. Officials will outline final preparations for the SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station. The launch is targeted for no earlier than February 15, 2026, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Crew-12 marks the 12th crew rotation under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The four-member team includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir as Commander and Jack Hathaway as Pilot. The crew also includes ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

Mission Overview

The astronauts will travel aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The flight supports NASA’s partnership with private industry to send crews to orbit. During their months-long stay, the team will conduct research and maintain station operations.

Crew-12 becomes the 12th operational rotation flight of Crew Dragon. It also counts as the spacecraft’s 13th human spaceflight, including the original test mission. Therefore, the mission adds another milestone to the program’s track record.

For ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, this will be a first trip to space. Meanwhile, the mission underscores NASA’s goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to the ISS.

Launch and Spacecraft

SpaceX will launch the mission on a Falcon 9 rocket. The vehicle will lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. The current window opens on Sunday, February 15, 2026. However, teams are reviewing options that could allow an earlier liftoff.

Crew Dragon remains a reusable spacecraft built for human transport. It has carried astronauts to the ISS regularly since 2020. This capability comes from a close partnership between NASA and the private sector.

As a result, the Commercial Crew Program continues to reduce reliance on single providers. At the same time, it keeps a steady human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory.