Four astronauts launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of SpaceX's Crew-12 mission on February 13, 2026. The mission, which is NASA's 12th crew rotation, includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. They will join the current crew of Expedition 74 and support a range of investigations aimed at benefiting life on Earth and advancing space science.

Read More

During their time aboard the ISS, the Crew-12 astronauts will facilitate various payloads sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory. Notable projects include studies selected through the ISS National Lab Sustainability Challenge: Beyond Plastics, in collaboration with Estée Lauder. One such project, led by SRI International, focuses on aerogel formation in microgravity, which could lead to more effective carbon capture technologies.

Another project, stemming from the 2024 Igniting Innovation solicitation for cancer research, aims to enhance the production of nanomaterials in space. This initiative, in partnership with Eascra Biotech and the University of Connecticut, seeks to develop nanomaterials that effectively deliver drugs to solid tumors, potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects.

Additionally, Nikon is testing an advanced microscope designed to observe human cell growth in space. This technology aims to accelerate discoveries in disease modeling by allowing real-time imaging of microphysiological systems.

The U.S. National Science Foundation is also funding projects at the ISS, including research led by the University of California, Irvine, which investigates cartilage production in microgravity, potentially helping to treat osteoarthritis and cartilage injuries.

An educational initiative, Tomatosphere™, will send tomato seeds to the ISS to explore how spaceflight affects plant growth, engaging students nationwide by comparing seeds sent to space with those grown on Earth.

The ISS National Lab continues to invite further inquiries and will share results from ongoing research through its upcoming initiatives.