“Crew-12 puts her back in orbit, this time in charge,” NASA noted, highlighting Meir’s extensive experience not only in space but also in post-flight roles supporting NASA’s commercial crew and human landing system programs. Her return reflects a growing emphasis on leadership continuity as ISS missions become increasingly routine but no less demanding.
Joining Meir as pilot is Jack Hathaway, who will be making his first trip to space. Selected by NASA in 2021, Hathaway brings a military aviation background, having flown thousands of hours for the U.S. Navy across dozens of aircraft, including carrier-based operations.
“This mission will be his first experience off the planet,” NASA said, marking a significant transition from sea-based aviation to orbital flight.
International Astronauts Join the SpaceX Crew-12 Flight
The mission also includes two international crew members flying under long-standing ISS agreements. Sophie Adenot will represent the European Space Agency, also on her first spaceflight. Before joining ESA, Adenot worked as an engineer and helicopter pilot, flying search-and-rescue missions and later serving as an experimental test pilot.
