NASA astronaut Jessica Meir launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in February 2026 on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission. She flew alongside NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 2013, Meir previously specialized in studying the physiology of animals in extreme environments before joining the astronaut corps. During her earlier tenure in space, she served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 61 and 62 aboard the ISS.
Notably, Meir participated in the first all-female spacewalks, marking a significant milestone in human spaceflight. Her portrait, taken at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in September 2025, was chosen as one of the finalists for the 2025 NASA Photographer of the Year.
Why it matters
Meir’s flight on SpaceX Crew-12 continues international cooperation aboard the ISS, supporting American, European, and Russian space agencies. Her scientific background and prior experience strengthen the crew’s ability to conduct advanced research and maintenance on the orbiting laboratory. Participation in historic spacewalks highlights ongoing progress in diversifying astronauts involved in critical extravehicular activities.
Background
Jessica Meir was selected by NASA as part of the 2013 astronaut class. Before becoming an astronaut, her scientific career focused on animal physiology in extreme conditions, contributing unique expertise valuable to understanding human adaptation in space. She first traveled to the ISS for Expeditions 61 and 62, where she played integral roles in station operations and conducted spacewalks alongside fellow astronauts. The SpaceX Crew-12 mission represents a continued collaboration among NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos, emphasizing multinational efforts to maintain and utilize the ISS.
Sources
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