NASA SpaceX Crew-13 Launch: Four Astronauts Head to the International Space Station

NASA and SpaceX are preparing to launch Crew-13 to the International Space Station (ISS) today, October 1, 2026. The mission will send four astronauts into orbit aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, continuing NASA’s long-running human spaceflight program and scientific research aboard the orbital laboratory.

NASA Crew-13 Mission Set for Launch

NASA, SpaceX, and international mission partners have completed the Launch Readiness Review for Crew-13. Mission managers gave the spacecraft and launch systems a “go” to proceed toward liftoff.

The launch is targeted for 11:10 a.m. EDT on October 1 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The mission will use a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft named Grace.

Who Is Flying on NASA Crew-13?

Crew-13 includes four astronauts representing NASA and its international partners:

• Jessica Watkins — NASA mission commander
• Luke Delaney — NASA pilot
• Joshua Kutryk — Canadian Space Agency mission specialist
• Sergey Teteryatnikov — Roscosmos mission specialist

Watkins is set to make history as the first NASA astronaut to launch twice aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

Crew Dragon Grace Heads to the ISS

After launch, Crew Dragon Grace will travel to the International Space Station, where the astronauts will join the station crew and begin their mission.

NASA says Crew-13 will support scientific research, technology demonstrations, station maintenance, and other activities aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The spacecraft could reach the ISS in less than nine hours, making the journey one of the fastest U.S. crewed trips to the station.

Weather Remains an Important Factor

Weather is one of the final factors NASA and SpaceX must monitor before liftoff. NASA’s launch weather officers previously forecast a 55% chance of favorable conditions for the October 1 launch attempt.

Teams will continue monitoring weather and spacecraft systems throughout the countdown.

Why Crew-13 Matters

Crew-13 is important for NASA’s continued presence in low Earth orbit. The International Space Station serves as a unique laboratory where astronauts conduct experiments that cannot easily be performed on Earth.

Research aboard the ISS contributes to advances in areas including human health, biology, technology, and future exploration.

The mission also demonstrates the continuing partnership between NASA, SpaceX, and international space agencies.

How to Watch NASA Crew-13

NASA is providing live coverage of the Crew-13 launch and mission activities through its official platforms. Viewers can follow the countdown, launch, spacecraft operations, and arrival at the International Space Station through NASA’s live coverage.

Final Thoughts

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission represents another major step in human spaceflight and international cooperation in orbit. With four astronauts preparing to travel to the International Space Station, the mission will continue important research while helping NASA and its partners prepare for the future of space exploration.

Stay tuned for updates on the Crew-13 launch, Falcon 9 liftoff, Crew Dragon Grace, and the astronauts’ arrival at the International Space Station.