NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission is set to launch in mid-September, sending four astronauts from three different space agencies to the International Space Station (ISS) for an exciting science expedition.
The crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. They will work together on important experiments that could help prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars while also benefiting life here on Earth.
This marks the 13th rotation of crew members to the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. NASA decided to move the launch date up from November to allow more frequent missions to the station. The scientists on board will conduct a variety of experiments that could lead to breakthroughs in health, technology, and our understanding of space.
Jessica Watkins is making her second trip to the ISS. A Stanford graduate with a Ph.D. in geology, she has worked with NASA’s Curiosity rover on Mars. In her first mission, she spent 170 days in space. By flying with SpaceX again, she will become the first NASA astronaut to launch on a Dragon spacecraft twice.
Luke Delaney, also a newcomer to space, brings a solid background as a naval aviator and a test pilot. He holds master’s degrees in aerospace engineering and has supported various military operations. His experience makes him an excellent addition to the team.
Joshua Kutryk is also heading to space for the first time. A skilled CF-18 fighter pilot, he has extensive training in engineering and has graduated from several prestigious programs, including the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He embodies the spirit of innovation that space travel requires.
Sergey Teteryatnikov, another first-time flyer, specialized in naval engineering before becoming a cosmonaut. He has a solid technical background and was selected for the Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Center in 2021.
The ISS has been home to continuous human habitation for over 25 years, driving unique scientific discoveries. As we prepare for new missions to the Moon under the Artemis program and further explorations to Mars, the work done on the ISS continues to be invaluable.
With the Crew-13 mission, we take another step forward in understanding human spaceflight and its challenges while opening new avenues for commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit.
For more details about ongoing research aboard the ISS, check out NASA’s official page: NASA ISS Research.
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Commercial Crew, Commercial Space, Humans in Space, International Space Station (ISS), ISS Research, Johnson Space Center, Space Operations Mission Directorate
