SpaceX Dragon spacecraft arrives at launch pad for NASA’s Crew-12 mission

SpaceX has moved its Dragon spacecraft to the hangar at Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida, a major milestone in preparing for NASA’s Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station. Images shared by the company show the white capsule positioned alongside launch pad structures, ready for final integration with the Falcon 9 rocket.

Crew-12 marks the 12th operational crew rotation under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and the 13th overall human spaceflight for the Dragon spacecraft. The mission will transport four astronauts to the orbiting laboratory for an extended stay, continuing a series of regular rotations that began in 2020.

The launch is targeted for no earlier than February 11, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. However, the time and date may change based on different scenarios.

The crew includes NASA astronaut Jessica Meir as commander, NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway as pilot, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot as mission specialist, and a cosmonaut from Roscosmos.

In the weeks leading up to launch, the astronauts entered a standard pre-flight quarantine period at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This routine step helps protect their health and ensures they remain fit for the demanding journey ahead.

Once docked with the International Space Station, the Crew-12 members will spend about six months conducting scientific research in microgravity. Their work will include experiments focused on human health, biology, and physical sciences.

SpaceX has moved the Dragon spacecraft to the hangar at Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida

The mission will also involve technology demonstrations aimed at supporting future exploration efforts, such as missions to the Moon and Mars. NASA’s partnership with SpaceX through the Commercial Crew Program has made crewed flights to the station more frequent and cost-effective. The program allows NASA to rely on American commercial vehicles for transportation to low Earth orbit, freeing resources for deeper space ambitions.

The arrival of the Crew Dragon at the pad signals the start of final preparations. Teams will perform system checks, load cargo, and conduct tests of the Falcon 9 rocket. These steps build on years of experience with the Dragon and Falcon 9 systems, which have proven reliable across multiple missions.

Crew-12 will overlap briefly with the current station crew before taking over daily operations. The incoming astronauts will maintain the facility, perform spacewalks if needed, and advance ongoing research that benefits both space exploration and life on Earth.

(source)