Nasa’s upcoming Crew-12 mission, set to launch on February 15, 2026, features a diverse group of four astronauts. They come from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Russia’s Roscosmos. Their goal? To conduct exciting science experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway will lead the mission. Meir has space experience, having spent over 200 days in orbit and making history with the first all-woman spacewalks. Hathaway, a U.S. Navy commander, will be flying to space for the first time.
Joining them are ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos’ Andrey Fedyaev. Adenot is an engineer and helicopter pilot, while Fedyaev is a test cosmonaut who has already spent time in space.
This mission is a part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which collaborates with SpaceX to send astronauts to the ISS. The research conducted during Crew-12 will not only further space exploration but will also lead to innovations that benefit life on Earth.
The ISS has been continuously occupied for over 25 years, allowing scientists to perform experiments that wouldn’t be possible under Earth’s gravity. As more private companies enter the spaceflight sector, NASA is pivoting its focus to deep-space exploration, particularly missions to the Moon through the Artemis program. This initiative is crucial as humanity prepares for the possibilities of Mars.
As we look forward to Crew-12, it’s exciting to consider how the experiences and findings from these missions will shape the future of space travel. For ongoing updates and information about the International Space Station, visit NASA.gov.
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Commercial Crew, Humans in Space, International Space Station (ISS), ISS Research
