How to Watch NASA's Crew-13 Launch to the International Space Station

What Science Will the Crew-13 Astronauts Conduct in Orbit?

NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station on Thursday, September 30, 2026, carrying three NASA astronauts and one Roscosmos cosmonaut. The launch will take place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with liftoff scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EST. This mission marks another routine crew rotation to maintain continuous human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory. Viewers can watch the event live through NASA TV, the agency’s website, and its official social media channels. SpaceX will also provide a simultaneous webcast from its launch control center. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, will carry the crew on a approximately 24-hour journey to dock with the station. This flight continues the regular cadence of commercial crew missions that began in 2020, ensuring reliable transportation to and from the ISS.

The crew will join the existing Expedition 72 crew for a six-month stay focused on scientific research and station maintenance.

How Does Crew-13 Fit Into NASA's Long-Term Space Goals?

During their six-month mission, the Crew-13 astronauts will conduct over 200 scientific experiments across disciplines including biology, physics, and Earth observation. Key research includes studying fluid dynamics in microgravity to improve industrial processes on Earth and testing new materials for future lunar and Mars missions. The crew will also perform routine spacewalks to upgrade station hardware and deploy small satellites. Medical studies will monitor how long-duration spaceflight affects human vision, bone density, and cardiovascular function. These investigations aim to solve challenges for deep space exploration while yielding benefits for life on Earth. The astronauts will also participate in educational outreach, speaking with students worldwide to inspire interest in STEM fields. Their work builds on decades of research conducted aboard the ISS, a unique microgravity laboratory available to scientists globally.

Crew-13 supports NASA’s Artemis program by validating systems and procedures essential for deep space missions. The mission tests life support, navigation, and communication technologies that will be used on future trips to the Moon and Mars. By relying on commercial partners like SpaceX, NASA can focus resources on developing the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft for Artemis landings. Regular crew rotations also ensure the ISS remains fully operational as a testbed for exploration technologies. The mission strengthens international cooperation, with Roscosmos continuing as a key partner despite geopolitical tensions. Maintaining a continuous U. S. presence on the station through 2030 is a stated NASA goal, and Crew-13 helps achieve that objective. Success here reduces risk for more ambitious endeavors beyond low Earth orbit.

What time should viewers tune in for the Crew-13 launch? The launch is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EST on Thursday, September 30, 2026, with coverage beginning approximately four hours before liftoff on NASA TV and the agency’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the crew members flying on NASA's Crew-13 mission? The crew consists of three NASA astronauts and one Roscosmos cosmonaut, though their names have not been publicly disclosed in the available source material.

Where will the Crew-13 spacecraft dock with the International Space Station? The Crew Dragon Endeavour will dock with the forward port of the Harmony module on the ISS, following a standard rendezvous profile after launch.