Crew-13 astronauts enter the ISS
The four Crew-13 astronauts have entered their new home. The quartet began floating aboard the International Space Station today at 9:43 p.m. EDT (0143 GMT on Oct. 2), about 25 minutes after the hatches opened between the ISS and their Crew Dragon capsule, "Grace."
"It is hard to believe that we're already here, but we are super glad to be here," NASA's Jessica Watkins, the Crew-13 commander, said during the welcome ceremony tonight. "We are happy to join you guys and get to work as soon as possible."
The first part of that quote is a reference to the mission's speedy journey: Crew-13 set a new record for an American spacecraft, chasing down the ISS just 7 hours and 55 minutes after launch.
Hatches open between Crew-13's Dragon and the ISS
The hatches between Crew-13's Crew Dragon capsule, named Grace, and the International Space Station were opened today (Oct. 1) at 9:19 p.m. EDT (0119 GMT on Oct. 2). The Crew-13 astronauts have not yet left Grace, however; they're still working through some procedures before they enter their new orbital home.
Crew-13 arrives at the ISS!
The four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-13 mission for NASA docked with the International Space Station (ISS) today (Oct. 1) at 7:05 p.m. EDT (2305 GMT), while the two spacecraft flew 263 miles (423 kilometers) over the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
The docking came just 7 hours and 55 minutes after Crew-13 launched from Florida's Space Coast. That's the fastest-ever trip to the ISS by an American spacecraft, breaking the old record by about five hours. It's pretty far from the overall mark, however: In May 2020, a crew-carrying Russian Soyuz spacecraft chased down the ISS in just 3 hours and 3 minutes. You can read our Crew-13 launch and docking stories for more information.
Crew-13 astronauts suit up for docking
The four astronauts on SpaceX's Crew-13 Dragon spacecraft have donned their sleek SpaceX pressure suits and climbed into their seats for today's docking at the International Space Station.
The black and white SpaceX spacesuits are partial pressure suits designed to safeguard the astronauts in the event of a cabin depressurization. They're worn during major mission events like launch, docking, undocking and landing.
The Crew Dragon Grace spacecraft is just under 1 hour away from the space station.
Docking remains on target for 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT).
After docking, the Crew-13 astronauts and their counterparts on the station will perform a series of leak checks to ensure an air-tight, secure seal between their spacecraft.
The SpaceX Crew-13 astronauts will then join the seven astronauts currently aboard the station (the station's three Expedition 75 core crew and four SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts), raising the ISS population to 11.
A welcome ceremony to mark the joining of the crews will be broadcast at abotu 8:45 p.m. EDT (0045 GMT).
SpaceX Crew-13 Dragon capsule closing in on ISS. Livestream begins
NASA's SpaceX Crew-13 docking webcast is officially live as four astronauts are preparing for the fastest U.S. trip to the International Space Station ever. You can watch it live in the feed at the top of this page.
SpaceX launched the Crew-13 astronauts on a Falcon 9 rocket at 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT). Docking is on track for 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT). From launch to docking, the flight will last 7 hours, 50 minutes - the fastest trip ever by an American spacecraft to the ISS.
Crew-13 is carrying commander Jessica Watkins and pilot Luke Delaney (both of NASA), along with mission specialists Joshua Kutryk (of Canada) and Sergey Teteryatnikov (of Russia). The four astronauts will spend 6 months aboard the ISS.
SpaceX Crew-13 flight to ISS is fastest American flight ever
NASA and SpaceX have concluded their post-launch press briefing on today's Crew-13.
The mission launched on the 68th anniversary of NASA, and will be the fastest American spaceflight to the International Space Station, clocking in at just 7 hours and 50 minutes.
"Yeah, we we got lucky this time. The space station was in a opportune spot in space, and the orbital mechanics, the physics of it all, worked out for it to be the the shortest launch to docking time we've had to date, under eight hours," said Julianna Scheiman, SpaceX's director of the NASA Science and Dragon programs. "That's not to say it couldn't happen again, and if we were to put space station in exactly the right spot for the right launch it could be this or even shorter durations, but this is close to the fastest it could be though."
The record for the fastest crewed flight to the ISS stands at 3 hours, 3 minutes, and was achieved by a Russian Soyuz MS-17 crew on Oct. 14, 2020. That mission launched NASA astronaut Kate Rubins (on her birthday, no less) to the ISS alongside cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov.
NASA will resume live TV and livestream coverage of the Crew-13 docking at 5:20 p.m. EDT (2120 GMT).
Docking remains on schedule for 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT).
NASA discusses SpaceX Crew-13 launch
NASA's press conference on SpaceX's successful launch of the Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station. You can watch it in the window at the top of this page.
As a reminder, here's who are speaking today:
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman
- Dr. Lori Glaze, associate administrator, Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
- Dana Weigel, manager, Low Earth Orbit Program, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston
- Mathieu Caron, director, Astronauts, Life Sciences, and Space Medicine, CSA
- Julianna Scheiman, director, NASA Science and Dragon Programs, SpaceX
NASA, SpaceX to hold Crew-13 post-launch briefing @ 1:10 pm ET
With the succesful launch of NASA's Crew-13 astronauts on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule, NASA and SpaceX are now preparing to hold a post-launch press briefing. However, the timing has changed. While we wait, check out the amazing Crew-13 launch photos and Falcon 9 landing view from Space.com's Josh Dinner! You can see video of the launch at the top of this page, too.
SpaceX and NASA will now hold the press conference at 1:10 p.m. EDT (1810 GMT), about 25 minutes later than planned. You'll be able to watch it live here at start time. Here's a look at who will be speaking during the briefing:
We'll be back at 1 p.m. ET for the briefing and thanks for tuning in!
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman
- Dr. Lori Glaze, associate administrator, Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
- Dana Weigel, manager, Low Earth Orbit Program, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston
- Mathieu Caron, director, Astronauts, Life Sciences, and Space Medicine, CSA
- Julianna Scheiman, director, NASA Science and Dragon Programs, SpaceX
Touchdown! SpaceX Crew-13 reaches orbit, Falcon 9 lands
Touchdown! SpaceX's Falcon 9 first stage successfully landed after a smooth launch of the Crew-13 astronauts on Crew Dragon.
It landed at SpaceX's Pad 40 at Space Launch Complex 40 of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Just minutes after the booster landing, the Falcon 9 upper stage shut its engine down after reaching orbit. The Crew Dragon Grace carrying Crew-13 separated shortly after.
"Luke, Josh, Sergey, welcome to orbit. On behalf of the entire team, we thank you for flying SpaceX today," SpaceX radioed to the crew.
"Thanks for an amazing ride," Crew-13 commander Jessica Watkins said. "They say that courage is grace under pressure, and the incredible teams that got us to orbit today truly embody that. Thank you for your hard work, perseverance, and courageous commitment to ensuring Grace was ready and safe to fly, we carry with us on this journey all of you who have supported us along the way, and we hope to make you proud."
Coming up next, the Crew Dragon Grace will open its nosecone to expose its docking port.
NASA will also hold a post-launch press conference at 12:45 p.m. EDT (1745 GMT),which we will carry live on this page.
Crew-13 is scheduled to dock at the ISS at 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT), with live coverage beginning at about 5:20 p.m. EDT (2120 GMT).
Stage separation! Falcon 9 1st stage returning to Earth
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully separated its first stage, which executed a boost back burn for a landing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The second stage ignited as planned as Crew-13 heads toward orbit.
"Dragon copies, nominal trajectory," Crew-13 Watkins said.
Coming up will be booster landing for the first stage.
LIFTOFF! SpaceX launches Crew-13 astronauts to ISS
LIFTOFF! SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carrying four Crew-13 astronauts on the Crew Dragon Grace lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on time at 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT).
SpaceX, NASA on track for Crew-13 launch
SpaceX is now less than 10 minutes away from today's planned Crew-13 astronaut launch to the International Space Station. All systems on the Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon vehicle.
Weather is currently "go" for launch, but it is "dynamic" as SpaceX's Jessie Anderson just put it in the livestream (which you can watch here).
"On behalf of Luke, Josh, Sergey, and myself, thank you to the dedicated teams at NASA, SpaceX, CSA, and Roscosmos, who come together every day to make the impossible look easy, the extraordinary look routine, and the future of exploration look bright," Crew-13 commander Jessica Watkins said. "To our families and friends, we wouldn't be here today without your love, support, and sacrifice. Human spaceflight is truly a team sport, and it is an honor and a privilege to represent all of you who have contributed to the success of this mission. With gratitude and grace, Crew-13 is ready to fly."
Today's launch will kick off an 8-hour trip to the ISS, which is pretty fast for a SpaceX mission. Our next update will come with liftoff!
SpaceX fuels Falcon 9 rocket for astronaut launch
SpaceX has begun fueling the Falcon 9 rocket for today's Crew-13 launch. Liftoff remains targeted for 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT), though weather continues to be a concern.
Falcon 9 rockets use a rocket-grade RP-1 fuel and liquid oxygen for propellant. SpaceX uses a late load, fast fill fueing process to fuel its rockets.
SpaceX retracts Crew Access Arm for Crew-13 launch
SpaceX has successfully retracted the sleek black and white Crew Access Arm from the Crew Dragon Grace capsule in another step closer to today's planned Crew-13 launch at 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT).
Inside the Dragon capsule, the four Crew-13 astronauts have closed their spacesuit visors and armed the launch escape system.
SpaceX is preparing to begin the fueling process for today's launch. The company uses a "fast-fill" process to load fuel close to liftoff.
SpaceX, NASA 'GO' for Crew-13 launch
NASA and SpaceX are officially 1 hour away from today's 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT) launch of the Crew-13 astronaut flight to the ISS for NASA.
Flight controllers at SpaceX's launch control just gave the "GO" for launch after a readiness poll.
All systems are go on the Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-13's Dragon spacecraft, named Grace. But NASA is watching the weather.
At the start of today's launch attempt, NASA is now expecting a 60% chance of good weather at launch time.
NASA chief Jared Isaacman bids Crew-13 a safe launch
NASA chief Jared Isaacman has popped into to the agency's launch webcast for SpaceX's Crew-13 launch. Isaacman met with Crew-13 commander Jessica Watkins, pilot Luke Delaney and mission specialists Joshua Kutryk and Sergey Teteryatnikov before they walked out of their crew quarters, where he wished them a good flight.
Watkins NASA's first astronaut to fly on a Dragon twice. The rest of the Crew-13 crew are making their first career spaceflight.
Before becoming NASA Administrator, Isaacman flew on a Crew Dragon twice as part of his Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn private SpaceX missions. He said that second flight on Dragon brings opportunities.
"The nice thing about when you're when you're going up twice, you're generally familiar with all of the sounds and all the sensations, and you're able to stay ahead of the rocket," Isaacman said during the livewebcast. "And as a result, you you have more time available to look at the expressions on your on your crewmates to hear them, the joy that they're having for their first experience. That was honestly what I was looking forward to most when we made it on orbit was to see the on my second trip to see the reactions on all my my crew members face as they realize that they have arrived."
Crew-13 astronauts board SpaceX Dragon for launch, hatch closed
The four astronauts of NASA's SpaceX Crew-13 launch to the International Space Station have boarded their Crew Dragon Grace spacecraft as the countdown continues for today's launch.
SpaceX's closeout crew has closed the hatch to the Dragon spacecraft after completing a series of communication checks.
NASA's livestream has begun and you can watch it live on Space.com.
Liftoff remains on target at 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT).
Astronauts head to launch pad
The sun rose on the Space Coast this morning, but was blocked from view for many by widespread cloud cover and rain. Launch conditions have lessened slightly since yesterday, with a current 60% chance of weather violation at launch time.
Despite the weather, NASA is proceeding toward the targeted 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT) liftoff of the SpaceX Faclon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft with the astronauts of Crew-13.
The crew donned their spacesuits this morning inside the operations and checkout facility here at the Kennedy Space Center, and departed for Launch Complex-40 at approximately 7:45 a.m. EDT (1145 GMT).
It's launch day!Weather officials predict a 40% chance of favorable conditions at Launch Complex 40 for the liftoff of a @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft carrying Crew-13 to the @Space_Station.Launch is 11:10am ET.Live updates here: https://t.co/X4XmPe2n25 pic.twitter.com/tBhhnSCFATOctober 1, 2026
Crew-13 is 'go' for launch!
SpaceX's Crew-13 astronaut mission for NASA is "go" for its planned Thursday (Oct. 1) launch toward the International Space Station, agency officials announced during a press conference this evening (Sept. 30). If all goes to plan, a Falcon 9 rocket will send SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule "Grace" toward the orbiting lab at 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT) from Florida's Space Coast.
But the weather will have to cooperate as well, and that's far from guaranteed. The latest forecasts call for a 45% chance of a weather violation, which means a 55% change of conditions good enough to allow a launch.
If Crew-13 does scrub tomorrow, the next launch opportunity will come Friday (Oct. 2) at 10:47 a.m. EDT (1447 GMT). Whenever the mission lifts off, you can watch it here at Space.com
SpaceX, NASA 1 day away from Crew-13 launch after delays
SpaceX and NASA are T-1 day and counting until the launch of their SpaceX Crew-13 astronaut crew to the International Space Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT) on Thursday, Oct. 1, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Check out our "What time is SpaceX's Crew-13 astronaut launch guide" if you're looking for details on when and how to watch the launch live.
At 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), NASA and SpaceX will hold a prelaunch press conference, which you'll be able to watch here.
Crew-13 will launch NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney and crewmates Josh Kutryk ( of Canada) and Sergey Teteryatnikov (of Russia) on a six-month mission to the International Space Station. They will join three core members of the station's Expedition 75 crew, already aboard the station, as well as the four soon-to-depart meembers of NASA's Crew-12 astronauts, who will soon return to Earth on their own SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.
Weather trackers are forecasting a 60% chance of good conditions for Thursday's launch, according to NASA.
The four Crew-13 astronauts successfully performed a dress rehearsal for launch day on Tuesday (Sept. 29), setting the stage for Thursday's liftoff.
Space.com will provide live coverage of SpaceX's Crew-13 launch, from liftoff to docking, on Oct. 1, with coverage coming in from our entire team, including Spaceflight Writer Josh Dinner, who is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in person. Be sure to tune in!