Successful Crew-13 Launch
Updated: Oct 2
After a nearly three-week delay caused by the discovery of a leak in the Crew Dragon spacecraft’s propulsion system, followed by an unfavorable weather forecast on launch day, it seemed that luck might finally be on Crew-13’s side. Could it have something to do with SpaceX launching NASA’s first mission to carry the “13” designation in more than 50 years?
A reassuring wave from the Crew as they bid farewell this morning, along with a glimpse of “Lucky 13” displayed on the vehicle plates escorting them to the Dragon capsule waiting on the pad, offered a fitting nod, and perhaps a little extra optimism for the journey ahead.
Crew-13 successfully lifted off today, October 1, 2026, at 11:10 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, beginning its journey to the International Space Station for docking later this evening. The Falcon 9's reusable lower stage returned to Earth and landed itself to be re-used while the upper stage carried the Crew towards orbit to meet with the International Space Station.
During their approximately six-month mission, the Crew will join Expedition 75 aboard the ISS, where they will conduct medical research, space-based agricultural experiments, and a variety of other long-duration science investigations designed to advance our understanding of living and working in space.
Crew-13
Jessica Watkins - NASA
Spacecraft Commander
This is her second spaceflight. Watkins previously spent 170 days aboard the ISS as part of Expedition 67/68.
Luke Delaney - NASA
Pilot
Florida native and former Marine Corps aviator and test pilot.
This is his first spaceflight.
Joshua Kutryk - Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Mission Specialist
Former CF-18 fighter pilot and experimental/test pilot.
This is his first spaceflight.
Sergey Teteryatnikov - Roscosmos
Mission Specialist
Former naval engineer who later became a Russian test cosmonaut.
This is his first trip to the ISS.
