A SpaceX capsule is set to transport four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), returning the crew size to full strength after weeks with only three members. This mission, Crew-12, will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, no earlier than 5:15 a.m. ET on Friday.
This launch comes as NASA faces staffing challenges. The ISS has been under-manned since mid-January when Crew-11 had to return early due to a medical issue. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the team’s swift and effective response to the situation, celebrating the training that prepared them for emergencies.
The upcoming Crew-12 mission features astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway from NASA, European astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. Unlike typical launches, Crew-12 won’t have the benefit of a seamless handover from their predecessors, as Crew-11’s situation left the station with just three crew members: two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut.
The presence of a full crew is essential for maximizing research capabilities on the ISS, which costs around $3 billion annually to maintain. With only three astronauts, the breadth of research is limited. Historically, there have been instances where just three crew members operated the station, but this was less common when NASA contracted SpaceX for regular flights.
Before SpaceX, the station often ran with only three astronauts. Back when Meir flew several years ago, indirect handover processes were common. Now, she notes that even without direct contact in orbit, the Crew-12 team still had thorough discussions with Crew-11 while they were on the ground.
NASA’s long-term goal is to foster private-sector space stations in low-Earth orbit. Isaacman stressed that optimizing the ISS’s lifecycle is crucial for future commercial ventures. He envisions a future where multiple commercial stations support a wide range of scientific endeavors beyond our atmosphere.
During their eight-month stay, Crew-12 will undertake various research activities, such as studying blood vessel changes and testing new treatments for pneumonia-related bacteria. They will also simulate lunar landings to learn about how gravity fluctuations affect human health and mental performance. This research is important as we prepare for future explorations beyond Earth.
For more information on this mission and ongoing space research, visit NASA’s official site at [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov).
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