SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket Tested Ahead of Crew-12 Launch

A static fire test of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket took place on February 8, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The test involved the ignition of nine Merlin 1D engines at the rocket’s base at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant step forward in the mission timeline.

At 3:16 a.m. EST (08:16 UTC), the engines roared to life for approximately ten seconds during the test conducted at Space Launch Complex 40. This vital procedure aimed to validate the systems of the launch vehicle ahead of the scheduled flight. Following the static fire, engineers will analyze the data to confirm readiness for the launch, which is set to take place midweek.

Preparations for Crew-12 Mission

In addition to the static fire test, a dry dress rehearsal is planned, allowing the crew to practice launch day operations. NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, along with Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency (ESA) and Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos, will don their upgraded flight suits at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkouts building. They will then be transported to the launch pad for a boarding practice aboard the Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft.

The Crew-12 mission will be the second human spaceflight launched from SLC-40. The rocket is expected to carry out a mission lasting approximately eight months aboard the ISS. On launch day, SpaceX plans to utilize its newly established landing pad, known as Landing Zone 40, where the booster, tail number 1101, will touchdown less than eight minutes after liftoff.

This mission represents a continued collaboration between NASA and SpaceX, highlighting advancements in human spaceflight capabilities. As both organizations prepare for the Crew-12 launch, the successful static fire test serves as a crucial milestone in ensuring the safety and reliability of the mission.