Moment crew docks at International Space Station
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying four astronauts successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) after launching from Cape Canaveral. This mission marks the 12th crewed rotational flight for SpaceX, with the astronauts set to spend eight months aboard the ISS. The crew, known as Crew-12, includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. Their arrival comes after replacing a previous team that had to evacuate due to a medical emergency.
The mission highlights the continued collaboration between international space agencies in advancing human spaceflight. Jessica Meir, a seasoned astronaut known for her groundbreaking work on the ISS, joins Jack Hathaway, who is making his first trip to space. Sophie Adenot represents France’s participation in the ISS program, while Andrey Fedyaev brings Russian expertise to the mission. This diverse crew underscores the global nature of modern space exploration.
The docking of Crew-12 is a significant milestone for SpaceX and NASA, showcasing the reliability of the Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket system. The success of this mission reinforces the importance of international partnerships in maintaining operations on the ISS, which has been continuously inhabited since 2000. These efforts contribute to ongoing scientific research and technological advancements in space.
This mission also underscores the critical role of the ISS as a platform for global collaboration and innovation. With Crew-12 now on board, they will continue essential experiments and maintenance work, ensuring theISS remains operational for future missions. The ability to replace teams while maintaining station operations highlights the robust systems and international cooperation that keep space exploration moving forward.
The successful docking of Crew-12 not only advances spaceflight capabilities but also reinforces the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026