Crew-13 launch

SpaceX launched Crew-13 astronauts on a Falcon 9 rocket at 11:10 a.m. EDT (1510 GMT) on Oct. 1, 2026.

Docking schedule

Crew-13 docked with ISS at 7:05 p.m. EDT (2305 GMT) on Oct. 1, 2026, 7 hours and 55 minutes after liftoff.

Record-breaking trip

This is the fastest American crewed mission to the ISS, breaking the previous record by about five hours.

Crew composition

Crew-13 includes NASA commander Jessica Watkins, pilot Luke Delaney, Canadian mission specialist Joshua Kutryk, and Russian mission specialist Sergey Teteryatnikov.

Spacecraft details

The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Grace, is designed to carry astronauts to the ISS and return them safely.

Docking process

The hatches between Crew Dragon Grace and the ISS opened at 9:19 p.m. EDT (0119 GMT) on Oct. 2, 2026.

ISS population

After docking, ISS population increased from seven to eleven astronauts, including Crew-13 and existing crew.

Welcome ceremony

A welcome ceremony for Crew-13 was scheduled for 8:45 p.m. EDT (0045 GMT) on Oct. 1, 2026.

Previous record

The previous fastest crewed mission to ISS was a Russian Soyuz MS-17 mission in 3 hours and 3 minutes on Oct. 14, 2020.

Crew-13 mission duration

Crew-13 astronauts will spend six months aboard the ISS before returning to Earth.

SpaceX press conference

NASA and SpaceX held a post-launch press conference at 1:10 p.m. EDT (1810 GMT) on Oct. 1, 2026.

SpaceX director quote

Julianna Scheiman, SpaceX's director of NASA Science and Dragon programs, said the mission was the shortest launch to docking time they've had to date.

“Yeah, we we got lucky this time. The space station was in a opportune spot in space, and the orbital mechanics, the physics of it all, worked out for it to be the the shortest launch to docking time we've had to date, under eight hours”

Crew-13 commander quote

Crew-13 commander Jessica Watkins thanked the teams and expressed gratitude for their support.

“Thanks for an amazing ride. They say that courage is grace under pressure, and the incredible teams that got us to orbit today truly embody that. Thank you for your hard work, perseverance, and courageous commitment to ensuring Grace was ready and safe to fly, we carry with us on this journey all of you who have supported us along the way, and we hope to make you proud”

Launch preparation

Crew-13 astronauts donned SpaceX pressure suits and prepared for docking at the ISS.

Falcon 9 landing

SpaceX's Falcon 9 first stage landed at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida after Crew-13 launch.

Mission significance

This mission marks the fastest American crewed trip to the ISS, with potential for future improvements in launch efficiency.