Context:

On February 14, 2026, NASA's Crew-12 mission successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) after launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, French astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will embark on an eight-month mission focused on scientific research for future human exploration and improving food production in space. This mission follows the early departure of Crew-11 due to a medical evacuation, resulting in a reduced staff at the ISS. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the professionalism of the team, while preparations for the Artemis II mission to the moon are also underway, aiming for a launch as early as March.

Dive Deeper:

• The Crew-12 mission includes four astronauts: Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway from NASA, Sophie Adenot from France, and Andrey Fedyaev from Russia.

• The Crew-11 mission had to leave the ISS a month early in January due to a medical emergency involving one of its crew members.

• Prior to Crew-12's arrival, the ISS was operating with only three crew members instead of the usual seven.

• NASA's Artemis II mission, set to launch as early as March 2026, will be the first crewed moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.

• Crew-12's research will focus on preparing for human exploration beyond Earth's orbit and enhancing space-based food production.

• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the teamwork and professionalism of the international partners involved in the mission.