The hatches between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS) opened on February 14, 2026, at 22:14 UTC, officially welcoming the NASA astronauts of SpaceX Crew-12. This event marks the commencement of their mission aboard the orbiting laboratory, known as Expedition 74.
Upon entering the ISS, the Crew-12 members—NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency (ESA), and Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos—were greeted by their fellow crew members already stationed aboard. These include NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev.
International Collaboration in Space Research
The newly formed seven-person crew is set to continue a diverse range of scientific research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance operations aboard the ISS. This mission exemplifies ongoing international collaboration among NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos as the agencies strive to advance scientific discovery in the unique environment of microgravity.
The Crew-12 mission follows a successful launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on February 13, 2026, at 10:15 UTC. The Dragon spacecraft docked with the ISS the following day at 15:15 UTC. This journey marks another significant milestone in space exploration, contributing to humanity’s understanding of life beyond Earth.
During their time in low Earth orbit, the Crew-12 astronauts will engage in various scientific experiments aimed at benefiting life on Earth and enhancing future space missions. Their work is expected to support ongoing efforts to return to the Moon, explore Mars, and beyond.
Looking Ahead to Future Discoveries
As the Crew-12 astronauts embark on this mission, they will be part of a prestigious legacy of space exploration. Their contributions are vital to the continuation of important research that can inform and improve life on our planet while also paving the way for future missions into deeper space.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Crew-12 mission and its progress as they work aboard the International Space Station.
