Crew-13's 4 astronauts to launch from Florida's Space Coast
Key Points:
- Crew-13 is launching from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, with NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins (commander) and Luke Delaney (pilot), joined by Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov as mission specialists.
- The crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center on Saturday and will undergo quarantine and final preflight operations before launch.
- The mission will focus on scientific research and technology demonstrations to prepare humans for future Moon and Mars exploration, including studies on the effects of long-duration microgravity on the human body.
- Key experiments include investigations into blood circulation and clotting risks, neuro-ocular syndrome prevention, astronaut piloting skills after extended spaceflight, and exercise impacts on health and performance.
- The broader Expedition 75 science program will also explore in-space manufacturing, bioprinting, augmented reality, and AI tools, with public viewing opportunities available at Kennedy Space Center during the launch.