FAA Clears SpaceX for Falcon 9 Launches; Crew-12 Mission to Reach ISS Scheduled for February 11

• February 7, 2026

SpaceX and NASA have received regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to resume Falcon 9 rocket launches following a recent mission anomaly. This clearance paves the way for the next crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS), designated Crew-12, which is slated to lift off from Cape Canaveral on February 11, 2026.

Resumption of Falcon 9 Flights and Upcoming Crew Mission

The FAA’s authorization marks a significant milestone for SpaceX, allowing the company to continue its critical role in ferrying astronauts and cargo to the ISS. This follows a temporary grounding prompted by an earlier Falcon 9 incident that warranted a thorough investigation to ensure flight safety standards were met.

The upcoming Crew-12 mission is scheduled for launch at 6:01 a.m. Eastern Time from the spaceport at Cape Canaveral. The operation aims to bolster the current ISS crew complement, which has been operating below capacity with only three astronauts aboard. The successful arrival of the Crew-12 team is essential to maintaining station operations, scientific research, and overall crew safety.

Both NASA and SpaceX have worked closely with regulatory bodies to address the concerns raised during the prior anomaly. The FAA’s approval reflects confidence that SpaceX has implemented the necessary corrective measures to mitigate risks for future flights.

The mission will continue SpaceX’s ongoing partnership with NASA to provide reliable transportation to and from low Earth orbit. The Falcon 9 has been a cornerstone of crewed spaceflight operations in recent years, reinforcing SpaceX’s position as a key provider for ISS missions.

Additional details about Crew-12, including crew members and mission objectives, have been outlined by NASA but remain unchanged by the recent developments. The flight is expected to contribute to the ISS’s scientific endeavor and international cooperation in orbit.

As the space industry advances and safety remains paramount, the FAA’s role in scrutinizing and endorsing space launches demonstrates the careful balance between innovation and risk management. With the green light granted, the focus now shifts to the preparation and countdown for the Crew-12 launch, marking another chapter in human space exploration.

FAA authorizes SpaceX to resume Falcon 9 flights after anomaly; NASA schedules Crew-12 mission to International Space Station for February 11.