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NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 completed a months-long International Space Station science mission and was preparing to return to Earth in early October 2026. As of NASA’s Oct. 2 update, the crew had not yet departed: it was due to hand over station responsibilities on Oct. 4 after Crew-13’s arrival. The mission explored how microgravity might inform research in areas including pharmaceuticals, quantum science, stem cells, and bone and muscle loss.

Who was on Crew-12, and when did it launch?

The four-person crew was NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. They launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 5:15 a.m. EST on Feb. 13, 2026, according to NASA’s launch release.

NASA describes Crew-12 as the 12th crew rotation mission in SpaceX’s human space transportation system and the 13th astronaut flight to the station when the Demo-2 test flight is counted. The Crew-12 mission page provides that program context.

Had Crew-12 returned to Earth?

Not according to NASA’s latest surfaced operational status as of Oct. 2, 2026. NASA said Crew-13 had arrived on Oct. 1, bringing the station’s population to 11, and that Crew-12 was preparing to depart. A NASA station update dated Oct. 2 said the crews would officially transfer responsibilities on Oct. 4 before the outgoing crew’s planned return.

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NASA’s mission retrospective described Crew-12’s mission as ending and its members as scheduled to return in early October. That retrospective is not confirmation of a completed return. NASA’s Sept. 29 rehearsal update described a planned splashdown off California, contingent on conditions.

What science did Crew-12 support?

NASA’s Oct. 2 mission retrospective highlights investigations using the space station’s microgravity environment. The work explored research questions and possible applications; NASA’s descriptions do not establish that the experiments produced approved treatments or demonstrated clinical benefits.

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Pharmaceutical crystals

The Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory investigation (ADSEP-PIL-15) studies crystal growth in microgravity. NASA says this approach may help researchers examine the properties of cancer-targeting treatments. The stated goal is research into those properties, not proof that a treatment became more effective.

Cold atoms and quantum science

The station’s Cold Atom Lab received an upgraded capability that produces more atoms for observation in microgravity. NASA says the expanded capability can support research relevant to quantum technologies.

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Making IV fluid in space

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot worked with IVGEN Mini, an investigation exploring whether IV fluid can be produced in microgravity. NASA notes that commercial IV fluids expire after about 16 months and that carrying supplies for long missions adds mass and takes up space. That figure and logistical context come from NASA’s article; they are not a measured Crew-12 experiment result.

Stem-cell growth

InSPA-StemCellEX-H2 examines stem cells in microgravity. NASA says the environment may allow researchers to produce larger numbers of clinical-grade stem cells while retaining their ability to differentiate. Potential applications include leukemia and other blood diseases, but these remain possibilities described by NASA rather than established treatment outcomes.

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Bone marrow, bone, and muscle

The 3D Bone Marrow Analog uses structures that mimic parts of bone marrow; some samples receive vibrations intended to simulate exercise. NASA says the investigation could help reveal ways to address bone and muscle loss.

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What the mission’s research does—and does not—show

Crew-12 supported a varied portfolio of station investigations, but the descriptions NASA published focus on research aims and potential uses. They do not report a named statistical result, clinical efficacy rate, or proof that a prospective application is ready for use on Earth or in deep-space missions. The value of the mission is in conducting research in an environment that is difficult to reproduce on Earth and exploring questions relevant to future applications.

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