Crew-12 Launch to ISS: Meet NASA’s Next Astronaut Team

NASA is preparing for the next crewed mission to the International Space Station as Crew-12 moves closer to launch. The mission will send four astronauts into orbit, continuing the agency’s long-running partnership with international space agencies to support scientific research, technology demonstrations and ongoing station operations.

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway will lead the American contingent on the Crew-12 flight. They will be joined by two international spacefarers, underscoring the global collaboration that defines operations aboard the International Space Station. Together, the four-member crew will travel to low-Earth orbit to relieve the current expedition team and begin a months-long scientific mission.

Crew-12 will launch aboard a commercial spacecraft developed under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which has restored the United States’ ability to send astronauts to orbit from American soil. Since the program’s inception, regular crew rotation missions have ensured a continuous human presence aboard the ISS, advancing research in microgravity and testing technologies critical for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.

During their time aboard the ISS, the Crew-12 astronauts will conduct experiments across a range of disciplines, including biology, materials science and Earth observation. Microgravity research conducted on the station supports advancements in medicine, manufacturing and climate science, while also helping engineers refine systems needed for long-duration spaceflight.

The mission will also include maintenance and upgrades to station systems, as well as potential spacewalks to support ongoing improvements. As with previous expeditions, Crew-12 members will engage in outreach activities, sharing their experiences with students and audiences around the world.

With launch preparations underway, final training simulations and spacecraft checks are in progress. Once in orbit, Crew-12 will dock with the International Space Station and formally begin their expedition, contributing to one of humanity’s most ambitious scientific laboratories in space.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com