Well before liftoff preparations could move into their final phase, NASA and SpaceX have decided to postpone the Crew-12 mission launch to ensure crew safety. The mission has now been rescheduled for February 13 at 3:45 pm IST.
The delay was caused by unfavourable weather conditions along the flight path. High winds reaching up to 28 knots were forecast in the ascent corridor, raising concerns that an emergency abort could be unsafe. Officials said safety was prioritised over schedule while setting the new launch window.
The Crew-12 mission will be commanded by NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, with Jack Hathaway serving as pilot. The crew also includes European Space Agency specialist Sophie Adenot and cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. All 4 astronauts are currently in quarantine at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They are living in a controlled biological bubble to prevent carrying Earth-based germs to the International Space Station.
Once aboard the Dragon spacecraft Freedom and docked at the ISS, the Crew-12 team will begin a series of scientific experiments. One of the key studies, called Venous Flow, will explore how physical characteristics influence blood flow in microgravity. Astronauts will use ultrasound on their own jugular veins to support research aimed at preventing strokes during long-duration missions to Mars.
The mission also includes research with direct benefits for life on Earth. Astronauts will study pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve treatment methods. They will also test nitrogen-fixing microbes and automated plant health monitoring systems to support food production in space. Another experiment will demonstrate on-demand intravenous fluid generation, which is critical for medical care during deep-space missions.
In addition, the Crew-12 mission will support future lunar exploration. Astronauts will take part in a Manual Piloting study using advanced simulators to practise landing at the Moon’s South Pole. This work is part of NASA’s preparation for upcoming Artemis missions. The crew will also examine whether B-vitamin supplements can help protect eyesight, which is often affected in the weightless conditions of space.
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