SpaceX's next astronaut launch for NASA is officially on for Feb. 11 as FAA clears Falcon 9 rocket to fly again

NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the Crew-12 astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on February 11, following the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) clearance for the Falcon 9 rocket to return to flight. The targeted launch time is no earlier than 6:01 AM Eastern from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission comes after the Crew-11 members were brought back to Earth on January 15, a month earlier than planned, due to a medical concern involving one of the astronauts. Although the affected astronaut was stable, the ISS lacked the necessary equipment to properly diagnose the issue. The Crew-12 astronauts will join the three remaining crew members currently aboard the ISS. NASA had initially scheduled the launch for February 15 but moved it up to February 11. If the launch proceeds as planned, the Dragon capsule carrying the Crew-12 astronauts is expected to dock with the ISS at approximately 10:30 AM on February 12. The astronauts are currently in quarantine in preparation for the launch. This mission marks the first flight to the ISS since the Crew-11 medical evacuation. The Crew-12 launch is significant as it continues NASA's partnership with SpaceX in transporting astronauts to and from the ISS, ensuring ongoing operations aboard the space station. The successful execution of this mission is crucial for maintaining the crewed presence on the ISS following the recent emergency situation.