NASA’s Crew-12 lifts off successfully on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida

NASA’s Crew-12 successfully lifted off (Image: SpaceX)

SpaceX successfully launched NASA’s Crew 12 mission to the International Space Station on 13 February 2026 at 3:45 pm IST. Four astronauts, including ESA’s Sophie Adenot, are heading to join Expedition 74 for an eight-month stay. The crew will conduct over 200 experiments, focusing on blood clot research, astronaut vision health and manual piloting tests for future Moon missions. Docking is expected about 28 hours after liftoff.

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SpaceX successfully launched its Crew 12 mission to the International Space Station on 13 February 2026, sending four astronauts into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket and marking the next scheduled rotation under Nasa’s commercial crew programme. The liftoff occurred at 3:45 pm IST from Florida. The mission continues long term human presence in orbit. Viewers across India followed the event live.

Crew 12 astronauts join Expedition 74

The spacecraft carried four trained astronauts. Commander Jessica Meir led the mission. Pilot Jack Hathaway assisted flight operations. Mission Specialists Sophie Adenot and Andrey Fedyaev completed the team. Adenot represents the European Space Agency astronaut corps. She becomes the first from her class to fly.

Crew 12 is travelling to join Expedition 74. The station crew recently saw unexpected changes. Crew 11 returned early after medical evacuation. The new arrivals will restore staffing levels. Officials say rotations ensure research continuity. The programme reflects partnership between NASA and SpaceX.

Liftoff of Crew-12! pic.twitter.com/jQ804lyjkm

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— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 13, 2026

Scientific experiments aboard the ISS

Docking is expected roughly 28 hours post launch. Once aboard, work will begin promptly. More than 200 experiments await completion. A key focus involves biological investigations. The Venous Flow study examines clot formation. Scientists aim to understand microgravity effects. Results may guide astronaut health strategies.

Crew members will also test manual piloting skills. These exercises support future Moon landings. Another study examines astronaut vision changes. Researchers are investigating Spaceflight Associated Neuro ocular Syndrome. The condition affects eyesight during prolonged missions. Each minute in weightlessness adds planning data. Insights gathered will inform future Mars journeys.

Falcon 9 launch and live coverage

The Falcon 9 lifted off smoothly. It launched from Space Launch Complex 40. Weather conditions were 90% favourable. Teams monitored winds along ascent routes. The Dragon capsule separated as planned. The first stage attempted its landing return.

Space enthusiasts watched events through live streams. NASA provided coverage on its website. Broadcast images appeared on YouTube platforms. Coverage began hours before scheduled liftoff. It included crew suit up moments. SpaceX also streamed high definition views. Cameras tracked ascent and booster descent.

With Crew 12 now in orbit, attention shifts forward. The eight month mission is under way.