NASA’s Crew-12 to lift off soon: Here’s how to watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch live

NASA’s Crew-12 to Lift Off Soon (Image: NASA)

Nasa’s Crew 12 mission is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 3:45 pm IST from Florida, carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station. The team will join Expedition 74 for an eight-month stay, conducting over 200 experiments focused on blood clot research, astronaut vision health and manual piloting tests for future Moon missions. Nasa and SpaceX will provide live coverage for global viewers, including audiences in India.

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Florida is set for another crewed launch as Nasa’s Crew 12 prepares to lift off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station on 13 February 2026, with live coverage available for viewers in India and worldwide. The mission continues routine astronaut rotations in orbit. It supports long term scientific research aboard the station.

Crew 12 astronauts joining Expedition 74

The spacecraft will carry four astronauts. They trained for months for orbit duty. The crew includes Commander Jessica Meir. Pilot Jack Hathaway will assist operations. Mission Specialists Sophie Adenot and Andrey Fedyaev complete the team. Adenot represents the European Space Agency astronaut corps. She becomes the first from her class to fly.

They will join Expedition 74 currently aboard the station. The arrival restores staffing after Crew 11 departed. That earlier return followed a medical evacuation in January. Officials adjusted schedules to maintain research continuity. The rotation reflects Nasa’s commercial crew partnership goals. The programme works closely with SpaceX.

Scientific research aboard the International Space Station

After docking, work will begin quickly. More than 200 experiments await attention. A key focus involves biological investigations. The Venous Flow study examines clot formation. Researchers seek insight into microgravity effects. Findings may improve astronaut health safeguards.

Crew members will test manual piloting skills. These exercises support future Moon missions. Another priority involves astronaut vision protection. Scientists are studying Spaceflight Associated Neuro ocular Syndrome. The condition affects eyesight during long missions. Data gathered supports planning for Mars journeys. Each minute in weightlessness adds knowledge.

Falcon 9 launch time and live stream details

The Falcon 9 rocket will launch today. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:45 pm IST. The site is Space Launch Complex 40. It is located in Florida, United States. Weather is 90 per cent favourable. Teams are monitoring winds along ascent paths.

If plans proceed smoothly, docking follows later. The Dragon capsule should arrive within 28 hours. The mission is expected to last eight months. Viewers in India can follow events live. NASA will stream coverage on its website. Live pictures will also appear on YouTube. Broadcast begins hours before scheduled liftoff. It includes suit up and countdown moments.

SpaceX will provide its own stream. Cameras will track the booster landing attempt. The launch marks another steady step in orbit.