SpaceX Crew-12 set for liftoff today: Four astronauts head to space station on 8 month science mission

SpaceX Crew-12 Ready for Today’s Launch: Meet the Four Astronauts Bound for the Space Station (Image: NASA)

SpaceX is launching Crew 12 to the International Space Station at 3:45 pm IST, carrying four astronauts including ESA’s Sophie Adenot. The team will join Expedition 74 after a recent medical evacuation reshaped schedules. During their eight-month stay, they will conduct over 200 experiments, focusing on blood clot research, astronaut vision health and manual piloting tests for future Moon missions. NASA and SpaceX will stream the launch live for global audiences, including viewers in India.

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Attention turns to Florida as SpaceX prepares to launch its Crew 12 mission to the International Space Station, continuing Nasa’s commercial crew partnership and marking another key moment for human spaceflight watched closely in India and beyond on 13 February 2026.

The flight reflects steady efforts to expand routine access to orbit. It underscores cooperation between public agencies and private industry. Indian viewers are expected to follow events live.

SpaceX Crew 12 astronauts and mission plans

The mission carries four trained astronauts. They completed months of rigorous preparation. The crew includes Commander Jessica Meir and Pilot Jack Hathaway. 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.

The astronauts will join Expedition 74 aboard the station. Their arrival restores numbers after Crew 11 departed. That return followed a medical evacuation in January. Officials said schedules were adjusted accordingly. The rotation ensures research activities continue smoothly. It also maintains an international presence in orbit.

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Scientific experiments aboard the ISS

Once docked, the crew will begin work quickly. More than 200 experiments await their attention. A major focus involves biological investigations in orbit. The Venous Flow study examines blood clotting risks. Researchers want to understand circulation changes in microgravity. The findings could aid future long missions.

Astronauts will also practise manual piloting techniques. These tests support preparations for future Moon landings. Another priority involves astronaut eye health research. Teams will study Spaceflight Associated Neuro ocular Syndrome. The condition affects vision during extended missions. Data gathered may protect crews travelling farther. Each experiment supports planning for Mars journeys.

Launch time and how to watch live

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off today. Launch is scheduled for 3:45 pm IST. The site is Space Launch Complex 40. It is located in Florida, United States. Weather conditions are 90 per cent favourable. Teams continue monitoring winds along the ascent path.

If successful, docking will follow about 28 hours later. The mission is expected to last eight months. Viewers in India can watch events online. NASA will stream coverage on its website. Live pictures will appear on YouTube. Broadcast begins hours before lift off. It will show suit up and countdown moments.

SpaceX will also stream the launch live. Cameras will track the Falcon 9 ascent. Additional views will show the booster landing attempt. The mission signals another steady step in orbit.