ISS to return to seven crew as Crew-12 may launch Feb. 12

NASA and SpaceX moved the Crew-12 launch to Feb. 12 pending weather, which would restore the ISS to seven crew after it has operated with three since mid-January.

NASA and SpaceX adjusted the Crew-12 launch target because of forecasted poor weather and are now aiming for Feb. 12 at 5:38 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-40. Mission managers said the date will be reassessed on Feb. 10 and could change again. The Crew-12 flight would bring the International Space Station back to seven crew members after it has operated with a skeleton crew of three since mid-January. Teams are also addressing a communication issue between the Crew Dragon capsule "Freedom" and launch support. Current details: - Crew-12 is targeted for Feb. 12 at 5:38 a.m. EDT from SLC-40, pending a weather reassessment on Feb. 10. - Mission officials cited high winds along the recovery track, reported up to 24–28 knots, when moving the target date. - Teams are working one technical issue: a communication problem between Crew Dragon "Freedom" and launch support. - The ISS has been staffed by three crew members since mid-January after the Crew-11 mission departed early for a medical evacuation; Crew-12 would restore the station to seven. - SpaceX is lowering and maintaining the crew access arm at Kennedy pad 39A to service bearings, and activity at the Cape includes a Vulcan launch from SLC-41 and ongoing Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal work at pad 39B. Summary: If cleared, Crew-12 would return the ISS to its normal seven-member crew. Officials said the launch date is contingent on weather and will be reassessed on Feb. 10. Other launches and pad maintenance at Cape Canaveral are being coordinated and could affect scheduling.