A fresh team of astronauts launched into space today as NASA and SpaceX initiated the journey of four astronauts to the International Space Station. The crew, consisting of Americans Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, French astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian Andrei Fadyaev, embarked on their mission aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Greeted by cheers from friends and family, the astronauts were captured heading towards the launch pad before the scheduled 10:15am UK time lift-off. According to NASA chief Jared Isaacman, Crew 12 began their orbit journey exceptionally well, with all systems of the Dragon capsule functioning efficiently. The team is set to conduct vital scientific experiments and create historical milestones during their mission.
The successful launch of Crew 12 has set them on course towards the International Space Station, where they are expected to dock on Valentine’s Day at approximately 3:15pm (ET), equivalent to 8:15pm UK time. The Dragon ‘Freedom’ capsule, carrying the four astronauts, has now detached from the Falcon 9 rocket’s second stage, enabling the capsule to enter orbit autonomously, while the Falcon 9 has returned to the Kennedy Space Center.
The crew’s journey to the International Space Station involves running experiments in zero gravity, testing new technologies, studying the impact of space on the human body, and supporting scientific advancements on Earth. In a related development, the anticipated Artemis 2 moon mission by NASA encountered delays due to a liquid hydrogen leak discovered during testing. Despite this setback, the SpaceX Crew Dragon flight proceeded as planned, with astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrei Fadyaev launching from Kennedy Space Center.
As Crew 12 begins their mission, they will replace Crew 11, who returned to Earth earlier than scheduled in a medical evacuation from the space station. Originally slated for a March launch, Crew 12’s mission was expedited following the premature return of Crew 11, paving the way for an 8-month stay on the ISS. NASA and SpaceX have confirmed favorable conditions for today’s Crew 12 launch, ensuring a smooth lift-off from Kennedy Space Center.
The Crew 12 astronauts are geared up for a 5:15am ET (10:15am UK time) lift-off aboard a Crew Dragon atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Stay tuned for live coverage and updates on this remarkable space expedition.
