Space & Satellites
SpaceX Completes 100 Falcon 9 Launches in 2025 with Starlink 17-5 Mission
SpaceX achieves 100 Falcon 9 launches in 2025, expanding Starlink constellation and lowering launch costs with reusable rockets.
On August 18, 2025, SpaceX reached a significant operational milestone with the successful launch of its 100th Falcon 9 rocket of the year, deploying 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This achievement marks only the second time in SpaceX’s history that it has accomplished 100 Falcon 9 launches within a single calendar year, highlighting the company’s unprecedented launch cadence and its transformative impact on the commercial space industry. The Starlink 17-5 mission, lifting off at 9:26 a.m. PDT, not only set a new benchmark for operational frequency but also underscored SpaceX’s ongoing commitment to rocket reusability, cost reduction, and manufacturing efficiency.
The deployment of these 24 satellites brings SpaceX’s total Starlink launches for 2025 to 72 missions, delivering 1,786 satellites to orbit this year alone. As the largest commercial satellite constellation in existence, Starlink’s rapid expansion is reshaping global internet access and reinforcing SpaceX’s dominance in both the launch and satellite internet service markets. This operational tempo is emblematic of a broader shift in the space sector, where private companies like SpaceX now account for the overwhelming majority of U.S. orbital launches, fundamentally altering the landscape of space exploration and satellite deployment.
SpaceX’s ability to sustain such a high frequency of launches, while maintaining an industry-leading mission success rate, demonstrates the company’s operational maturity and the reliability of its Falcon 9 system. This milestone is not only a testament to SpaceX’s engineering prowess but also a harbinger of further innovation and market disruption in the years ahead.
The Starlink 17-5 mission exemplified SpaceX’s operational excellence and technological sophistication in orbital deployment. Launching from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, the Falcon 9 rocket delivered 24 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into a targeted low Earth orbit. The West Coast launch site was strategically chosen for its ability to support polar and sun-synchronous orbits, expanding Starlink’s global coverage and service reliability.
The mission utilized the Falcon 9 first stage booster B1088, which completed its ninth flight, underscoring SpaceX’s commitment to hardware reusability. This booster had previously flown on high-profile missions such as NROL-126, NROL-57, NASA’s SPHEREx/PUNCH rideshare, and multiple Starlink launches. The successful recovery of B1088, executed via a precision landing on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean, marked the 145th landing on this droneship and the 489th booster landing in SpaceX’s operational history.
SpaceX’s approach to booster recovery and reuse has revolutionized launch economics. By reusing the most expensive component of the rocket, SpaceX has reduced the cost per Falcon 9 mission to approximately $60 million, down from traditional launch costs that exceeded $200 million. The 24 Starlink satellites deployed in this mission are part of the V2 Mini generation, each weighing about 1,760 pounds and providing enhanced communication capabilities compared to earlier versions. With a 100% mission success rate across 98 Falcon 9 launches in 2025, SpaceX continues to set new standards for reliability and efficiency in space operations.
“The ability to consistently recover and reuse first stage boosters has revolutionized the economics of spaceflight, reducing launch costs from traditional figures exceeding $200 million per mission to approximately $60 million for Falcon 9 operations.”
Reaching 100 Falcon 9 launches in 2025 is a watershed moment in commercial spaceflight, illustrating the rapid evolution of private space companies from experimental ventures to the backbone of global space operations. Notably, SpaceX achieved this milestone earlier in the year than in 2024, reflecting ongoing improvements in manufacturing, supply chain management, and operational procedures.
As of August 14, 2025, the Falcon 9 family has launched 527 times, with 524 full mission successes, two failures during launch, one failure before launch, and one partial failure. This yields a success rate exceeding 99%, making Falcon 9 one of the most reliable rockets in aerospace history. The current streak of 148 consecutive successful missions since July 2024 further attests to the robustness of SpaceX’s systems and operational discipline. The Falcon 9 Block 5 variant, introduced in 2018, has been central to these achievements, with 460 successful launches to date. SpaceX has also set records for rapid pad turnaround times, achieving intervals as short as 2 days, 8 hours, and 31 minutes between launches at SLC-40. These operational efficiencies have transformed rocket launches from months-long undertakings to near-routine procedures, enabling SpaceX to capture roughly 95% of the U.S. orbital launch market as of mid-2025.
“This success rate of over 99% across more than five hundred missions establishes SpaceX as one of the most reliable launch providers in aerospace history.”
The successful recovery of booster B1088 is emblematic of SpaceX’s reusability revolution, which has fundamentally altered the economics of orbital launch. Reusable rockets were once viewed skeptically by the industry, but SpaceX’s iterative development and operational refinement have proven the viability and value of this approach. The cost per kilogram to orbit for Falcon 9 has fallen from about $10,000 to $2,500, a 75% reduction enabled by booster and fairing reuse.
SpaceX’s operational data shows that boosters can be reused up to 29 times (as demonstrated by B1067), and fairings have reached up to 32 flights, dramatically lowering manufacturing and launch costs. Government agencies, including NASA and the U.S. Space Force, have embraced reused hardware, realizing significant cost savings, over $500 million for NASA’s Crew Dragon launches alone.
The company’s pursuit of full reusability continues with the Starship program, which aims to bring launch costs down to $10 per kilogram to orbit. If successful, this would open new markets and applications, from space-based manufacturing to large-scale space tourism and interplanetary missions, fundamentally reshaping the economics and accessibility of space.
“The cost per kilogram to orbit with Falcon 9 has dropped from approximately $10,000 to about $2,500 due to reusability, representing a 75% reduction in launch costs.”
SpaceX’s operational success is mirrored by its financial performance. The company is projected to generate $15.5 billion in revenue in 2025, with Starlink accounting for $12.3 billion of that total. This marks a significant shift from a launch services provider to a diversified space technology company with recurring revenues from satellite-based internet services.
With a valuation reaching $400 billion by mid-2025, SpaceX stands among the world’s most valuable private companies. The company’s 63% year-over-year revenue growth from 2023 to 2024 highlights its rapid expansion and the scalability of its business model. These financial results have driven further investment in research and development, particularly in next-generation technologies like Starship and advanced satellite systems.
SpaceX’s pricing and operational efficiencies have forced traditional launch providers to re-evaluate their business models, driving industry-wide innovation and cost reduction. The company’s dominance has also enabled new space-based businesses to emerge, fueling a positive feedback loop of innovation and market expansion.
“The company is projected to generate approximately $15.5 billion in revenue during 2025, a figure that remarkably exceeds NASA’s entire annual budget.”
The Starlink 17-5 mission added 24 satellites to a constellation that now exceeds 8,000 operational units, providing broadband internet to millions of users in over 100 countries. Starlink’s scale and technological sophistication have made it the world’s largest commercial satellite network, with each new launch expanding coverage and service reliability. Starlink’s V2 Mini satellites, weighing about 1,760 pounds each, offer improved communication capabilities and longer operational lifespans compared to earlier generations. The constellation’s ongoing expansion is supported by a continuous replacement cycle, as each satellite has an estimated operational life of five years, ensuring sustained demand for launch services.
Starlink has been transformative for rural and underserved regions, where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking. Users report significant improvements in connectivity, with speeds of 50-150 Mbps and latencies of 20-50 milliseconds. The service’s flexible pricing, ranging from $90-120 in developed markets to $30-50 in developing regions, has enabled rapid global adoption and helped bridge the digital divide.
“In the United States, Starlink has been transformative for rural communities, with users reporting improvements from virtually no service or 3-10 Mbps connections to 50-150 Mbps with the satellite internet service.”
The 100th Falcon 9 launch of 2025 underscores SpaceX’s dominant position in a rapidly evolving industry. With approximately 95% of U.S. orbital launches, SpaceX has set a new standard for cost, reliability, and operational tempo. This dominance has forced traditional aerospace companies to accelerate innovation and cost reduction efforts, though many still lag behind in reusability and operational efficiency.
Internationally, Space-Agencies and commercial companies are recalibrating their strategies in response to SpaceX’s market leadership. European and Asian agencies have increased investment in new launch vehicles and commercial partnerships, while emerging space nations are weighing the benefits of using SpaceX’s services against the need for domestic capability.
The competitive landscape is being further shaped by the development of next-generation systems like Starship and heavy-lift vehicles from other Manufacturers. The outcome of these programs will likely determine leadership in the space industry for the next decade, with SpaceX’s continued investment in both operational and developmental capabilities positioning it as the frontrunner.
“SpaceX now accounts for approximately 95% of all U.S. orbital launches as of mid-2025.”
SpaceX’s 100th Falcon 9 launch of 2025 is the result of a decade of relentless innovation, operational refinement, and risk-taking. The company’s rapid development cycles and willingness to challenge industry norms have yielded breakthroughs in reusability, autonomous landing, and high-volume manufacturing.
Technologies pioneered by SpaceX, such as precision booster landings and mass satellite production, are influencing the broader aerospace sector, encouraging both established and emerging companies to pursue similar efficiencies. The company’s advances in autonomous systems and control algorithms also have potential applications beyond spaceflight, including autonomous vehicles and robotics.
Looking ahead, the development of fully reusable systems like Starship could dramatically reduce launch costs and enable new markets, from space-based manufacturing to human settlement of other planets. SpaceX’s current achievements lay the groundwork for a future in which space access is routine, affordable, and transformative for society as a whole. “The success of Starship could fundamentally change the economics of space access to such an extent that space-based activities become routine rather than exceptional, opening possibilities that are currently limited by launch costs and payload constraints.”
SpaceX’s 100th Falcon 9 Launch of 2025 is more than a numerical achievement, it is a defining moment in the evolution of commercial spaceflight. The mission’s success reflects years of technological innovation, operational discipline, and a relentless drive to reduce costs and expand access to space. With a near-perfect mission success rate, industry-leading reusability, and the world’s largest satellite constellation, SpaceX has redefined what is possible in the space sector.
As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of launch cadence, reusability, and satellite deployment, it is setting the stage for even more ambitious endeavors. The company’s focus on fully reusable systems and global connectivity signals a future where space is not just the domain of governments and elites, but a routine and accessible frontier for all. The implications for technology, industry, and society are profound, and the trajectory set by SpaceX’s achievements in 2025 suggests that the next decade will bring even greater transformation.
Q: What was significant about SpaceX’s 100th Falcon 9 launch of 2025? Q: How many Starlink satellites were launched during the Starlink 17-5 mission? Q: What is the current size of the Starlink constellation? Q: How does SpaceX achieve such low launch costs? Q: What are the broader implications of SpaceX’s achievements?
SpaceX Achieves Milestone 100th Falcon 9 Launch of 2025 with Starlink 17-5 Mission
Mission Overview and Technical Execution
Historical Significance and Launch Records
SpaceX’s Reusability Revolution and Cost Reduction
Financial Performance and Market Dominance
Starlink Constellation Growth and Global Impact
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
Technological Innovation and Future Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
A: It marked the second time SpaceX achieved 100 Falcon 9 launches in a single year, demonstrating unprecedented operational tempo and reliability, and further expanding the Starlink satellite constellation.
A: 24 Starlink V2 Mini satellites were deployed into low Earth orbit during the mission.
A: As of August 2025, there are over 8,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, making it the world’s largest commercial satellite constellation.
A: Through the reuse of rocket boosters and fairings, SpaceX has reduced the cost per Falcon 9 launch to approximately $60 million, or about $2,500 per kilogram to orbit.
A: SpaceX’s advances in reusability, launch frequency, and satellite deployment are driving down costs, enabling new markets, and making space access more routine and accessible worldwide.
Sources
Photo Credit: SpaceX
Space & Satellites
Sodern Opens First US Facility in Colorado for Star Tracker Production
Sodern launches its first US industrial subsidiary in Colorado, producing Auriga™ star trackers and expanding in the US aerospace market.
This article is based on an official press release from Sodern.
Sodern, a prominent French manufacturer of space equipment and a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, has officially inaugurated its first United States industrial subsidiary, Sodern America. Located in Englewood, Colorado, the new facility marks a significant strategic expansion for the European aerospace giant, representing ArianeGroup’s first industrial installation on American soil.
According to the company’s announcement, the opening of Sodern America is designed to bring the manufacturer closer to its U.S. client base and navigate domestic regulatory requirements. The move positions Sodern to compete directly with established American firms in the defense and commercial space sectors by establishing a local supply chain and production capability.
The new subsidiary is situated in the Denver metropolitan area, a region widely recognized as a major hub for the U.S. aerospace industry. The facility spans approximately 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) and is equipped to handle manufacturing, testing, and commercial support.
In its official statement, Sodern outlined the specific operational capabilities of the Englewood site:
By establishing this physical presence, Sodern aims to address the “dynamic and demanding” nature of the U.S. market, ensuring that critical components are available with shorter supply-chains than those requiring import from Europe.
To lead the new subsidiary, Sodern has appointed Tiphaine Louradour as the CEO of Sodern America. Louradour brings over 25 years of experience in the space industry, having held significant leadership roles at major U.S. aerospace organizations.
According to biographical details released in conjunction with the announcement, Louradour’s background includes serving as CEO of Spaceflight Inc., President of International Launch Services (ILS), and President of Global Commercial Sales at United Launch Alliance (ULA). Her appointment signals Sodern’s intent to leverage deep ties within the U.S. space industrial base to secure new contracts.
A primary driver for this expansion, as noted in the company’s strategic rationale, is compliance with U.S. regulatory frameworks. Foreign entities often face barriers when bidding for U.S. government defense and civil space contracts due to strict domestic content requirements, often referred to as “Buy American” mandates. By manufacturing the Auriga™ star tracker and conducting testing in Colorado, Sodern America intends to qualify for sensitive programs that are typically restricted to U.S. entities. This local status allows the company to bypass previous regulatory hurdles and compete on equal footing with domestic manufacturers.
The entry of Sodern America into the Colorado aerospace cluster places it in direct proximity to some of its fiercest competitors. The Denver area is home to Blue Canyon Technologies (a subsidiary of RTX), which is a market leader in small satellite components and star trackers. Additionally, Ball Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems) and Honeywell Aerospace maintain significant operations in the region.
Sodern is already a supplier for major U.S. stakeholders, including NASA, providing instruments for the InSight Mars mission and the Europa Clipper, and the OneWeb constellation. However, establishing a manufacturing foothold suggests a shift from being an exporter to becoming an embedded part of the U.S. supply chain. This move is likely to intensify competition in the optical sensors market, particularly as satellite constellations continue to scale.
What is Sodern America? Where is the new facility located? What will be manufactured at the new site? Who is the CEO of Sodern America? Why did Sodern open a U.S. factory?
Facility Capabilities and Strategic Location
Leadership and Market Objectives
Navigating “Buy American” Regulations
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodern America is the new U.S. subsidiary of the French space equipment manufacturer Sodern. It is the company’s first industrial facility in the United States.
The facility is located in Englewood, Colorado, within the Denver metropolitan area.
The site will feature a production line for Auriga™ star trackers and testing facilities for Hydra™ star trackers.
Tiphaine Louradour, a veteran aerospace executive with previous leadership roles at Spaceflight Inc. and ULA, has been appointed as CEO.
The expansion aims to bypass “Buy American” regulatory hurdles, shorten supply chains for U.S. clients, and allow the company to bid on U.S. government defense contracts.Sources
Photo Credit: Sodern
Space & Satellites
Isar Aerospace Opens Acceptance Test Facility at Esrange Space Center
Isar Aerospace launches a new test site at Esrange, Sweden, to support industrial-scale production of Spectrum rocket ahead of March 2026 flight.
This article is based on an official press release from Isar Aerospace.
Isar Aerospace has officially inaugurated a new acceptance test facility at the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden. Announced on February 4, 2026, the opening marks a significant transition for the Munich-based launch provider as it shifts focus from prototype development to the industrial-scale production of its Spectrum launch vehicle.
The new site is purpose-built to verify the flight readiness of manufactured hardware, a critical step in ensuring high-cadence Launch operations. According to the company, the facility is designed to test over 30 Aquila engines per month, alongside fully integrated rocket stages. This infrastructure expansion comes just weeks before Isar Aerospace attempts its second Test-Flights, mission “Onward and Upward,” scheduled to First-Flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway in March 2026.
Unlike development testing, which focuses on validating design concepts, acceptance testing is the final quality control step before hardware is shipped to the launch pad. Isar Aerospace stated in their press release that the new facility is specifically engineered to remove production bottlenecks. By securing dedicated infrastructure for acceptance testing, the company aims to ensure that every engine and stage coming off the assembly line is immediately qualified for flight.
The facility operates alongside Isar’s existing vertical test stand (VTS-2) at Esrange, which has been utilized for development testing since 2019. The addition of the new site allows for parallel operations: R&D can continue on the vertical stand while the new facility handles the volume required for serial production.
“Scaling reliable access to space requires not only advanced launch vehicle design but also the right infrastructure to support rapid development and production. With our second test facility at Esrange, we are unlocking new capabilities and accelerating our progress.”
, Daniel Metzler, CEO & Co-Founder, Isar Aerospace
The new infrastructure significantly increases the company’s throughput. Isar Aerospace reports that the site is equipped to handle the acceptance testing of more than 30 Aquila engines monthly. Furthermore, the site supports integrated stage testing, allowing engineers to verify the entire rocket stage as a cohesive unit before it leaves Sweden.
The opening of this facility highlights the intensifying race among European launch Startups to provide sovereign access to space. Isar Aerospace is competing with peers such as Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Orbex to fill the gap in Europe’s launch market. By vertically integrating its testing capabilities, Isar Aerospace reduces reliance on shared facilities, potentially giving it an advantage in scheduling and launch cadence. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates Esrange, emphasized the importance of this Partnerships for the broader European ecosystem.
“This new facility strengthens Europe’s path toward scalable and reliable access to space… Together, we are building the infrastructure that will enable a new generation of launch services.”
, Mats Tyni, Director of Business Development, SSC
The distinction between “development” and “acceptance” testing is often overlooked, yet it is the primary hurdle for launch companies moving from a single successful flight to a commercial service. In our view, Isar Aerospace’s Investments in a high-volume acceptance facility signals confidence in their hardware design. It suggests the company believes the Aquila engine design is mature enough to freeze for mass production. If the upcoming March 2026 flight is successful, this infrastructure will be the key enabler that allows them to fulfill their backlog without the testing bottlenecks that have historically plagued the industry.
The facility inauguration serves as a prelude to Isar Aerospace’s next major milestone. The company confirmed that its second test flight, dubbed “Onward and Upward,” is targeted for a launch window in March 2026. This mission will utilize the Spectrum vehicle, a two-stage rocket designed to carry up to 1,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The Spectrum vehicle relies on the Aquila engines tested at Esrange, which utilize Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Propane. Following a flight termination during the first test launch in March 2025, the company has conducted extensive hot-fire tests to validate system corrections. The new acceptance facility will likely play a central role in qualifying engines for vehicles 3 through 7, which are currently planned for concurrent production.
Industrializing Launch Capabilities
Capacity and Specs
Strategic Context: The Race for European Sovereignty
AirPro News Analysis
Upcoming Mission: “Onward and Upward”
Sources
Photo Credit: Isar Aerospace
Space & Satellites
SpaceX Crew-12 Arrives in Florida for February ISS Launch
Crew-12 astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos arrive at Kennedy Space Center ahead of their February 11 launch to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA and additional mission data from ESA and Roscosmos.
The four-member crew of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Friday, February 6, 2026, marking the final operational milestone before their scheduled Launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Flying in from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the international team of astronauts landed at the Launch and Landing Facility to commence final preparations and mandatory quarantine protocols.
According to NASA, the mission is targeted to lift off on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:01 a.m. EST. The crew will ride aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This flight represents a continuation of the Commercial Crew Program’s efforts to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The arrival of Crew-12 is operationally critical for the ISS, which has recently functioned with a reduced staff due to schedule shifts and medical evaluations. The successful docking of Crew-12, targeted for approximately 10:30 a.m. EST on February 12, will restore the orbiting laboratory to its full complement of seven astronauts, stabilizing maintenance rosters and scientific output for Expeditions 74 and 75.
The Crew-12 mission brings together representatives from three major Space-Agencies: NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Roscosmos. The mission duration is expected to last approximately nine months, during which the crew will conduct hundreds of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
In an official statement regarding the mission’s scope, NASA noted:
“Crew-12 will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as benefit people on Earth.”
Following the launch on February 11, the crew will execute a 28-hour rendezvous profile before docking with the ISS. Once aboard, they will overlap briefly with the departing crew before settling into a long-duration stay focused on deep space biology, material science, and Earth observation.
The manifest for Crew-12 features a blend of veteran leadership and rookie talent, including two American astronauts, one French astronaut, and one Russian cosmonaut. Leading the mission is veteran astronaut Jessica Meir. Meir previously served on Expedition 61/62 in 2019 and 2020, where she gained global recognition for participating in the first all-female spacewalk alongside Christina Koch. A dual American-Swedish citizen, Meir holds a Doctorate in Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her scientific background includes extensive research on animal physiology in extreme environments, such as emperor penguins in Antarctica. As Mission Commander, she is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry.
Seated alongside Meir is mission pilot Jack Hathaway, making his first trip to space. Selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2021, Hathaway brings extensive aviation experience as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. He is a distinguished graduate of the Empire Test Pilots’ School and has logged over 2,500 flight hours in more than 30 types of aircraft. His role on Crew-12 involves monitoring vehicle systems and performance during the dynamic phases of flight.
Representing the European Space Agency is Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot. A Lieutenant Colonel in the French Air and Space Force and a helicopter test pilot, Adenot was selected as an ESA astronaut in 2022. She becomes the second French woman to fly to space, following Claudie Haigneré’s mission in 1996. Adenot’s individual mission is designated “Epsilon.”
Commenting on the significance of her role, Adenot stated:
“With this Epsilon mission, France and Europe are contributing to a global endeavor. Space exploration connects science, economy, technology, education, and diplomacy.”
Rounding out the crew is Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. This flight marks his second journey to the ISS, having previously flown on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission from March to September 2023. Fedyaev’s inclusion in the crew is notable for making him the first Russian cosmonaut to fly twice on a SpaceX Dragon vehicle. He is tasked with monitoring launch and re-entry phases and managing cargo operations aboard the station.
Upon their arrival in Florida, the crew immediately entered the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to begin the standard pre-flight quarantine. This health stabilization protocol, a legacy of the Apollo era, is designed to ensure that no viral or bacterial illnesses are transported to the closed environment of the ISS.
The composition of Crew-12 underwent a significant adjustment late in the training flow. In December 2025, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev was removed from the manifest and replaced by Andrey Fedyaev. While Roscosmos officially cited a “transition to other work” as the reason for the swap, industry reports have suggested the change may have been influenced by internal Regulations. Fedyaev’s previous experience on the Crew-6 mission allowed him to step into the role with a compressed training timeline, ensuring the mission schedule remained on track.
The integration of Andrey Fedyaev into Crew-12 highlights the increasing maturity and interoperability of the Commercial Crew Program. In previous eras of spaceflight, a crew change less than three months before launch could have resulted in significant delays. However, the standardization of the SpaceX Crew Dragon platform allows veteran flyers like Fedyaev to retain currency and step into rotation with reduced lead time. Furthermore, the launch of Crew-12 is pivotal for ISS operations. The station has faced a period of flux regarding crew numbers, and the return to a seven-person staff is essential for clearing the backlog of maintenance tasks and maximizing the scientific return of the orbiting laboratory before the transition to commercial space stations begins later in the decade.
Sources:
Crew-12 Astronauts Touch Down in Florida Ahead of February 11 Launch
Mission Profile and Timeline
Meet the Crew-12 Astronauts
Commander Jessica Meir (NASA)
Pilot Jack Hathaway (NASA)
Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot (ESA)
Mission Specialist Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos)
Operational Context and Late Adjustments
Late Crew Change
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: NASA
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