NASA and SpaceX have postponed the launch of their Crew-12 mission after weather conditions along the ascent route failed to meet safety requirements. The new target launch date is February 13, with liftoff scheduled for 3:45 pm IST from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Mission officials cited strong winds — reaching speeds of up to 28 knots — as the primary reason for the delay. These conditions could pose risks during an emergency abort scenario, prompting teams to prioritize crew safety and wait for more favourable weather.

The four-member crew remains in pre-flight quarantine to minimise the risk of carrying pathogens to the International Space Station (ISS). The team is led by NASA commander Jessica Meir and pilot Jack Hathaway, alongside European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

Once aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Freedom, the astronauts will begin an intensive eight-month research programme aboard the ISS. Planned studies include investigations into blood circulation in microgravity, where fluid shifts toward the head can increase clotting risks. Crew members will conduct ultrasound scans on themselves to support research aimed at reducing stroke risks during future deep-space travel.

The mission will also focus on biomedical research, including experiments on bacteria linked to pneumonia to improve treatments on Earth. Additional projects involve testing microbes that enhance soil fertility, automated systems for monitoring plant health in orbit, and new technologies for producing intravenous fluids during long-duration missions.

Another key component of the mission is the Manual Piloting experiment, which will evaluate astronauts’ ability to control landings under varying gravity conditions. The research is intended to support NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon, including potential landings near the lunar south pole.

Crew-12 astronauts will also study whether vitamin B supplements can help prevent vision problems commonly experienced in space.

NASA officials say the mission plays a crucial role in advancing human space exploration and developing technologies that could benefit both future interplanetary travel and life on Earth.