SpaceX Crew-12 Astronauts Join Expedition 74 on ISS

The hatches between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS) opened on Sunday, February 14, 2026, at 17:14 EST, officially welcoming NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts. This marks the beginning of their mission aboard the orbiting laboratory as part of Expedition 74.

The Crew-12 team includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency (ESA), and Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos. Upon entering the station, they greeted their fellow crew members already stationed there, which includes Chris Williams from NASA and cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev from Roscosmos.

International Collaboration in Space Science

This seven-member international crew will continue a diverse range of scientific research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance operations aboard the ISS. The Crew-12 mission exemplifies ongoing collaboration between NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos, showcasing the commitment of these space agencies to advance scientific discovery in microgravity.

After launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on February 13, 2026, at 05:15 EST (10:15 UTC), Crew-12’s SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS at 15:15 EST (20:15 UTC) on February 14. Over the next several months, the astronauts will conduct various experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at benefiting life on Earth and in orbit, further contributing to humanity’s exploration efforts towards the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Future Endeavors and Scientific Goals

The Crew-12 mission will focus on a wide array of scientific inquiries, including studies that could enhance our understanding of human health and performance in space. These experiments are critical as they provide insights that are applicable not only in space but also on Earth.

As this new chapter unfolds aboard the ISS, the collaboration between international space agencies highlights the importance of joint efforts in tackling the challenges of space exploration. The ongoing research and discoveries made during this mission will pave the way for future endeavors in deep space exploration.

For further updates on the Crew-12 mission and their activities aboard the International Space Station, stay informed through official NASA channels and other credible sources.