Replacement space station crew, launching ahead of schedule, eager to go

Cape Canaveral, FL – A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is poised to launch Wednesday, February 11, carrying a four-person crew to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, designated Crew-12, will replace the four members of Crew 11 who returned to Earth early due to a medical issue.

Restoring Full Capacity to the ISS

Commander Jessica Meir, along with astronauts Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot of the European Space Agency and cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, are scheduled for a 6:01 a.m. EST liftoff from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Docking with the ISS is anticipated for Thursday at 10:30 a.m. This flight restores the ISS crew to its full complement of seven long-duration occupants.

Unexpected Opportunity Arises from Artemis II Delay

The launch was originally scheduled for later in February, contingent on the successful completion of NASA’s Artemis II moon mission. However, a hydrogen leak discovered in the Space Launch System rocket forced a delay of the Artemis II mission to March, creating an opening for NASA and SpaceX to accelerate the Crew-12 launch schedule. SpaceX completed a test firing of the Falcon 9 rocket’s engines early Sunday morning, confirming readiness for Wednesday’s launch.

A Crew Ready to Get to Work

The incoming crew has been preparing for the mission at the Kennedy Space Center, undergoing pre-flight medical quarantine. Commander Meir expressed the crew’s eagerness to begin their work on the ISS, noting they’ve already been in communication with the current ISS crew, led by Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergey Mikaev, and Chris Williams. “Chris has been up there since around the time of Thanksgiving, so he is very well settled in,” Meir stated during a virtual news conference.

Resuming Full Research Capabilities

The return of a seven-person crew is critical for maintaining the ISS’s extensive research program. With a full crew, the station can resume a full schedule of experiments and enable two-person NASA spacewalks, which require a buddy system for safety. The reduced crew following Crew 11’s early return limited these capabilities.

First-Time Flyer and Experienced Veterans

While Fedyaev and Meir have both previously completed long-duration stays aboard the ISS, Hathaway and Adenot are making their first trip to space. Hathaway is a former F/A-18E carrier pilot, and Adenot is a French air force helicopter test pilot. The crew has been briefed by the departing Crew 11 on recent changes to the station’s systems.

Family Time Before Launch

Before entering quarantine, Commander Meir enjoyed some personal time with her family, sharing a video on social media of herself and her three-year-old daughter launching an air-propelled toy rocket on the beach. This moment underscored the personal sacrifices and joys associated with space travel.

FAQ

Q: Why did Crew 11 return to Earth early?
A: One of the Crew 11 fliers experienced an undisclosed medical issue, prompting NASA to bring them back to Earth for evaluation.

Q: What is the purpose of the Crew-12 mission?
A: The primary purpose is to restore the ISS crew to its full complement of seven, enabling a full schedule of research and maintenance activities.

Q: When is the launch scheduled?
A: The launch is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, at 6:01 a.m. EST.

Q: What is the role of the Artemis II mission delay?
A: The delay of Artemis II created an opportunity to move up the launch date for Crew-12.

Did you know? This mission is the 12th crew rotation mission of SpaceX’s human space transportation system and its 13th flight with astronauts for NASA.

Pro Tip: Follow NASA and SpaceX’s social media channels for live updates and behind-the-scenes content during the launch and docking procedures.

Explore more about the International Space Station and ongoing research at NASA’s ISS website.