Space.com and NASA reported that the four astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission have officially undocked from the International Space Station to return to Earth after nearly ten months in space, with splashdown recovery expected in the designated ocean area.
SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-13 mission on October 1 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, sending four astronauts to the International Space Station aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The crew includes NASA astronauts and international partner representatives. The mission continues to demonstrate that Crew Dragon has transitioned from early validation into routine operational service, providing a reliable backbone for ISS crew rotation and science logistics.
Core Summary NASA announced on September 18 a contract modification worth nearly $950 million with SpaceX, adding three additional Crew Dragon flights to the International Space Station. The supplemental award further reinforces SpaceX’s position as the core contractor within NASA’s commercial crew program and has triggered a fresh round of discussion about single-vendor dependence. Event Details According to CNBC, the contract modification, valued at approximately $950 million, is part of an extension of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP). The three newly added missions are intended to support ISS crew rotations and scientific research, with launch timing to be determined based on NASA’s overall mission schedule and station operational needs. ...
SpaceX launched a Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral, Florida on May 13, carrying supplies to the International Space Station. Mission Overview The launch is part of SpaceX’s Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. The Dragon spacecraft carries scientific experiments, crew provisions, and technical equipment to the orbiting laboratory. Background SpaceX has been a key NASA commercial cargo partner since 2012, regularly resupplying the ISS. This mission represents another routine delivery under the long-standing partnership. ...