SpaceX Launches Crew 13 to International Space Station
SpaceX launched four astronauts from Florida to the International Space Station to conduct biomedical research on microgravity and blood circulation.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. launched the 13th long-duration astronaut crew to the International Space Station on Thursday from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission utilized a Falcon 9 rocket and an autonomous Crew Dragon capsule to transport a four-person team consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov.
Led by Watkins, who is the first NASA astronaut to fly twice on a Crew Dragon, the crew is tasked with conducting biomedical and human performance studies. Their research focuses specifically on how microgravity affects blood circulation and clotting. The capsule is scheduled to dock with the station at approximately 7 p.m. EDT.
This mission follows the recent first orbital trip and commercial satellite deployment of the next-generation Starship spacecraft. NASA continues to manage these long-duration teams as part of its commitment to operate the International Space Station through 2030.
