SUMMARY
- Fourth international crewed flight atop SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to the ISS, highlighting global cooperation in space exploration.
- Pilot Jack Hathaway, a South Windsor High School graduate, brings extensive Navy flight experience to the mission.
- First NASA mission permitting astronauts to carry personal smartphones for in orbit communication.
GUILFORD, Conn. — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida early Thursday, carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station in a mission designated Crew-12.
Among them is Jack Hathaway, a pilot from South Windsor, Connecticut, marking the state’s first direct involvement in a US space launch in nearly a decade.
The launch, scheduled for 5:15 AM EST, was delayed twice due to weather along the East Coast flight path.
Once airborne, the Falcon 9 propelled the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft toward orbit, with Hathaway joining Commander Jessica Meir of NASA, Sophie Adenot of the European Space Agency, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev aboard the capsule.
The Crew-12 launch underscores NASA’s ongoing reliance on commercial providers for routine human spaceflight, following the retirement of the Space Shuttle program.
SpaceX, under the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, has routinely transported astronauts to the International Space Station since 2020.
Thursday’s mission will continue an eight month rotational stay for the crew, during which they will conduct scientific experiments, station maintenance, and international collaboration efforts.
Hathaway’s participation demonstrates the expanding pool of US trained pilots contributing to commercial spaceflight, bridging military aviation experience with civilian space exploration.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft has become a mainstay for orbital missions. Crew-12 represents the company’s 12th rotational flight to the ISS, following missions that increasingly integrate NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos personnel.
The Falcon 9 rocket, reusable and previously flown, separates from the Dragon capsule after reaching orbit, returning to Earth for future missions.
According to NASA, Crew Dragon’s capability to dock autonomously with the ISS enhances scheduling flexibility and reduces risk for astronauts.
The mission also comes amid increased global attention on low Earth orbit commercialization and private spaceflight initiatives.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez, senior space policy analyst at the Aerospace Corporation, noted, “Crew-12 reflects the growing trend of international collaboration in space, where national boundaries are secondary to scientific and operational objectives.”
NASA spokesperson Steve Jurczyk added, “Allowing personal devices aboard represents an adaptation to modern communication needs and boosts crew morale, particularly on missions extending eight months or longer.”
“Watching a Connecticut native soar into space is inspiring for students and aviation enthusiasts alike,” said Dr. Linda Carmichael, director of the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium.
South Windsor Mayor David Belcher added, “Jack Hathaway’s journey from our local high school to the ISS is a testament to dedication and the opportunities in STEM careers.”
Once docked, the Crew-12 astronauts will carry out scheduled research experiments, ranging from microgravity studies to technology demonstrations that support both space station sustainability and potential lunar missions.
NASA and SpaceX will monitor progress closely to ensure safe operations and timely return of the crew.
Thursday’s launch highlights the continuing evolution of human spaceflight, blending commercial innovation with international cooperation.
Crew-12 not only strengthens the partnership between NASA, SpaceX, ESA, and Roscosmos but also emphasizes the growing role of US trained military pilots like Jack Hathaway in pioneering long duration missions beyond Earth.
NOTE! This article was generated with the support of AI and compiled by professionals from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage. For more information, please see our T&C.
