SpaceX received permission to resume Falcon 9 launches after the accident: a flight to the ISS is planned for February 11

SpaceX and NASA received FAA approval for another crewed mission to the ISS

ElementDetailsCrew‑12Mission Launch February 11, 2026 at 06:01 Eastern Time (14:01 MSK) from Cape Canaveral launch site Permanent ISS crew of three people, understaffed, requiring rapid replenishment

How quick flight planning became possible
- On February 6, 2026 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted a temporary launch ban on the Falcon 9 rocket.

- The ban was imposed after an incident on February 2 when the second stage of a Starlink satellite failed to ignite its engine before deorbit and crashed.

- SpaceX conducted an investigation, implemented corrective measures, the FAA confirmed safety, and authorized flight resumption.

Key facts about the Crew‑12 mission
ParameterInformationRotation 12th under NASA’s commercial crew program to the ISS SpacecraftCrew Dragon Freedom (Freedom)Crew 4 astronauts:
• Commander Jessica Meir (NASA, second flight)
• Pilot Jack Hattaway (NASA, first flight)
• Specialist Sophie Adenot (ESA, first flight)
• Specialist Andrey Fedyaev (“Roscosmos”, second flight)Docking with the ISS on February 12 at about 10:30 Eastern Time (18:30 MSK)Duration of stay on the station Approximately nine months (longer than the usual six)

What will be studied during the stay
- Adaptation of the body to microgravity.

- Changes in blood flow and physiological processes.

- Preparation for future flights to the Moon and Mars.

Significance of the mission in the current ISS situation
- Since January 15, 2026 the station has been operating with a reduced crew: two Russians and one American.

- The Crew‑11 ship’s crew had to evacuate due to medical conditions.

- Arrival of Crew‑12 will restore the full complement to seven people, enabling complete execution of the scientific program and support for station systems.

Final steps before launch
- On the morning of February 7, the Crew‑12 team arrived at Cape Canaveral in Florida for final preparations for the spaceflight.

Thus, the FAA approval obtained and the rapid execution of the launch plan will allow quick restoration of the ISS’s full crew capacity and continuation of important scientific research under microgravity conditions.