Four astronauts enter quarantine as NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 launch nears
- Date:
- February 2, 2026
- Source:
- NASA
- Summary:
- NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 team has entered a carefully controlled two-week quarantine as the countdown begins for their journey to the International Space Station. The four astronauts—representing NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos—are isolating at Johnson Space Center before heading to Florida for final launch preparations. The mission could lift off as early as February 11, with multiple backup launch windows lined up.
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The four astronauts assigned to NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission have entered a standard two-week quarantine at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The isolation period began Wednesday and is designed to protect the crew's health as they prepare for their upcoming trip to the International Space Station.
The Crew-12 astronauts entered quarantine on January 28 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and are expected to remain under controlled conditions until launch.
Launch Dates and Mission Timeline
Crew-12 is scheduled to launch no earlier than 6 a.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 11, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Additional launch opportunities are available at 5:38 a.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 12, and 5:15 a.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 13.
NASA is coordinating launch planning for two major crewed missions this February, Artemis II and Crew-12. Final decisions on the best launch window for each mission will be made closer to flight, based on readiness and conditions.
International Crew Heads to Florida
The Crew-12 team includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The four are scheduled to travel Friday, Feb. 6, from Houston to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once there, they will continue quarantine while completing final prelaunch activities.
They will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, lifted into orbit by a Falcon 9 rocket. After arrival, Crew-12 will join Expeditions 74 and 75 aboard the International Space Station for a mission expected to last about nine months.
Experience Levels and Historic Milestones
Crew-12 marks the first spaceflight for mission specialist Sophie Adenot and pilot Jack Hathaway, both of whom have test pilot backgrounds. Commander Jessica Meir and mission specialist Andrey Fedyaev are each flying for the second time.
For Meir, this will be her first mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Fedyaev will make history as the first cosmonaut to fly twice on Dragon.
Why Astronauts Quarantine Before Launch
NASA began crew quarantine practices during the Apollo era to reduce the risk of illness before launch and prevent health issues during flight. During the Crew-12 quarantine, contact with others is kept to a minimum, and most communication takes place remotely. Family members and essential mission personnel must complete medical screening and receive clearance before any in-person contact is allowed.
Final Spacecraft Tests Completed
Before entering quarantine, the crew completed a full crew equipment interface test on Jan. 12. During the daylong test, the astronauts suited up, boarded the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, performed suit leak checks, and verified seat fit.
They also reviewed the spacecraft's interior layout, tested communication systems, and familiarized themselves with the sounds produced by Dragon's fans and pumps. These steps help ensure the crew is comfortable with the environment they will experience during their journey to the orbiting laboratory.
As launch approaches, the Crew-12 team remains focused and adaptable, continuing preparations to support scientific research, exploration, and international cooperation aboard the space station.
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