Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev joined NASA and European Space Agency astronauts as part of Crew-12
A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), carrying a multinational crew that includes Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
Crew-12 launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday. The reusable Dragon capsule named Freedom docked with the ISS’s Harmony module roughly 34 hours later, completing its journey to the orbital outpost. Additional crew members include NASA astronauts Jessica Meir (commander) and Jack Hathaway (pilot), as well as European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot.
“With that gentle contact, we have bridged the legacy of humankind’s continuous presence in space. It has been more than 25 years at this very site,” Meir radioed after docking. “The International Space Station is more than a structure, it is a promise kept. Decades in the making, built by nations, sustained by trust and partnerships, and powered by science, innovation and curiosity.”
“As we look back at Earth through these windows, we are reminded that cooperation is not just possible, it is essential. Up here there are no borders and hope is universal,” she added.
The crew members are set to remain aboard the ISS for approximately eight months, conducting scientific research, maintenance tasks, and technology demonstrations in low Earth orbit. Their arrival restores the station to a full seven-person complement after an earlier expedition returned ahead of schedule due to a medical issue.
Russia and the United States continue to collaborate on ISS missions under a cross-flight agreement signed in 2022. This arrangement allows Roscosmos cosmonauts to fly aboard Crew Dragon spacecraft while NASA astronauts travel on Russia’s Soyuz capsules.
Following the launch, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said preparations are underway for talks with Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov, adding that the meeting will take place “at the earliest opportunity.”
“There is a lot that we need to accomplish together in the years ahead,” he said, adding that there is “certainly a lot of opportunity for good conversation.”
Isaacman also stated he plans to attend the Soyuz MS-29 launch scheduled for summer 2026.