The hatches between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS) opened on Sunday, February 14, 2026, at 17:14 EST, marking the successful arrival of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts. This event officially signals the commencement of their mission aboard the ISS as part of Expedition 74.
Upon entering the station, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev were greeted by their fellow crew members already stationed there: NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev.
International Collaboration in Space Research
This seven-member crew is set to engage in an extensive range of scientific research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance operations aboard the ISS. The Crew-12 mission exemplifies the ongoing international collaboration between NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos, aimed at advancing scientific discovery in the unique environment of microgravity.
The Crew-12 spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on February 13, 2026, at 05:15 EST (10:15 UTC), and successfully docked with the ISS the following day at 15:15 EST (20:15 UTC). Over the next several months, the crew will conduct various experiments and technology demonstrations that promise to benefit both life on Earth and in orbit.
This mission plays a critical role in pushing forward the goals of space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and Mars. The collaborative efforts among the partner agencies are designed to enhance our understanding of space and improve technologies that will support human life beyond Earth.
Looking Ahead
As Crew-12 settles into their new environment, they will work alongside the existing Expedition 74 crew to maximize the scientific output of their time aboard the ISS. The research conducted during this mission could lead to significant advancements in fields ranging from health to environmental science, benefiting humanity as a whole.
For ongoing updates about the Crew-12 mission and its scientific endeavors, follow credible sources such as NASA and the European Space Agency. The international community eagerly anticipates the contributions this diverse crew will make during their time in low Earth orbit.
