The International Space Station (ISS) welcomed a fresh crew of four astronauts on , as SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission successfully docked with the orbiting laboratory. The arrival of the crew – comprised of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev – restores the ISS to its full complement of seven crew members.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying the Crew-12 astronauts, completed docking at to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module, according to NASA. Following the automated docking procedure, standard leak checks and pressurization between the spacecraft and the station were initiated, preparing for hatch opening. The hatches officially opened later in the day, allowing the Crew-12 members to join Expedition 74 already aboard the ISS.
The mission began with a launch on , at from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Falcon 9’s first stage successfully landed back on Earth, demonstrating SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology. This marks the 12th crew rotation mission utilizing the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
The arrival of Crew-12 is particularly significant as it relieves a crew that had been operating with a reduced headcount. The ISS had been operating with a smaller crew, and restoring the full seven-person capacity allows for a greater volume of scientific research to be conducted. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the importance of the mission, stating that it “demonstrated the professionalism, preparation, and teamwork required for human spaceflight.”
The Crew-12 astronauts will be conducting a variety of scientific experiments and maintenance activities during their stay aboard the ISS. Details of the specific research agenda were not immediately available, but NASA emphasized that the work will contribute to advancements in technologies for deep space exploration and provide benefits for life on Earth. The crew will be working alongside Expedition 74 members Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Chris Williams, and Sergey Mikaev.
The docking process itself was closely monitored and broadcast live by NASA, with coverage available on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency’s YouTube channel. The live stream included footage of the Dragon spacecraft approaching and connecting with the ISS, as well as the initial greetings between the arriving crew and the existing Expedition 74 team. The astronauts also shared an inspiring message prior to launch, and brought a crocheted zero-g indicator with them to demonstrate the unique environment of space.
This mission underscores the continued collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, ESA, and Roscosmos in maintaining a human presence in low Earth orbit. The Commercial Crew Program, in particular, has been instrumental in enabling regular and reliable access to the ISS, reducing reliance on other launch providers. The successful launch and docking of Crew-12 represent another milestone in this ongoing partnership.
The Crew-12 mission’s success is a testament to the rigorous testing and preparation undertaken by both NASA, and SpaceX. From the fueling of the Falcon 9 rocket to the final hatch opening, each step was carefully executed to ensure the safety and success of the mission. The ability to reuse the Falcon 9’s first stage also contributes to the cost-effectiveness of space travel, a key goal of the Commercial Crew Program.
Looking ahead, the Crew-12 astronauts will play a vital role in continuing the important research being conducted on the ISS. Their work will contribute to our understanding of the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body, as well as the development of new technologies for future space exploration endeavors. The restored seven-person crew will maximize the scientific output of the station, furthering our knowledge and capabilities in space.
