Four astronauts arrived at the International Space Station on Thursday after an eight-hour express journey — the fastest US flight to the orbiting laboratory ever. The SpaceX Crew-13 mission also made history, with commander Jessica Watkins becoming the first Black woman to lead a crew into orbit.
The record-breaking flight
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off late in the morning from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The eight-hour transit set a record not just for SpaceX — whose Starship reached orbit for the first time in its historic Flight 14 — but for any US operator, including NASA. The station’s favorable position relative to the launch site made the fast rendezvous possible. “Thanks for an amazing ride,” Watkins radioed after liftoff.
Meet the SpaceX Crew-13 astronauts
Commander Jessica Watkins, a geologist who worked with NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover, is making her second trip to the station after an extended stay in 2022. Her three crewmates are all first-time space travelers: NASA’s Luke Delaney, a retired Marine; Joshua Kutryk of the Canadian Space Agency, a colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force; and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov, a former submariner.
Why the launch was delayed
The SpaceX Crew-13 mission had been pushed back three weeks while engineers repaired a leaking fuel system on the Dragon capsule. On launch day itself, thick clouds hung over Cape Canaveral all morning before conditions finally improved enough for liftoff.
What the crew will do at the ISS
The SpaceX Crew-13 astronauts will spend roughly six months aboard the station, replacing four crew members who have been there since February. They will conduct new scientific research during their stay, adding to our understanding of the solar system and beyond.
The “Lucky 13” connection
The crew has embraced the number 13: their mission patch pays homage to Apollo 13, the 1970 mission that ended with the astronauts’ safe return after an oxygen tank explosion. The astronauts even rode to the launch pad in cars bearing “Lucky 13” plates and carried a small clover-adorned mascot into orbit.
Who is Jessica Watkins?
A NASA geologist who worked with the Curiosity Mars rover and is now the first Black woman to lead a crew into orbit.
Who are the other Crew-13 astronauts?
NASA's Luke Delaney, Canada's Joshua Kutryk and Russia's Sergey Teteryatnikov — all first-time space travelers.
Why was Crew-13 delayed?
The launch was pushed back three weeks to repair a leaking fuel system on the Dragon capsule.
How long will Crew-13 stay on the ISS?
Roughly six months, replacing four astronauts who have been aboard since February.
