SpaceX launched its Crew-13 mission for NASA at 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT) on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Grace, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying four astronauts on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS). They are expected to dock at the ISS approximately eight hours after launch.
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Following a successful launch, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket completed a booster landing at Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral. The first stage separation occurred a few minutes after launch, enabling the Crew Dragon to reach orbit. SpaceX confirmed the successful transition to orbit, with the crew receiving a welcome message from the ground team.
Crew-13 commander Jessica Watkins expressed gratitude for the launch, acknowledging the hard work of the teams involved in preparing for the mission. She highlighted the team's commitment to making the journey safe and successful.
The Crew Dragon's next step will involve opening its nosecone to access the docking port, preparing for its rendezvous with the ISS, which is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT). Prior to docking, NASA plans to hold a post-launch press conference at 12:45 p.m. EDT (1745 GMT).
In the lead-up to the launch, all systems were reported as nominal, and the weather was deemed acceptable despite earlier forecasts indicating a 60% chance of favorable conditions. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman was present to wish the crew well before their departure from the launch site.