SpaceX launched NASA’s four-person Crew-13 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on October 1, 2026, sending Crew Dragon Grace toward the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Falcon 9. The first stage later landed at the launch site after its third flight.
A reported propulsion leak delayed the launch
Crew-13 launched after a delay of nearly three weeks linked to a reported leak in Crew Dragon Grace’s propulsion system, found during preflight checks. The mission had originally been scheduled to launch on September 12.
Four astronauts set out for a planned ISS rotation
Jessica Watkins commanded the crew, Luke Delaney was the pilot, and Joshua Kutryk and Sergey Teteryatnikov were mission specialists. Their planned transit to the ISS was described as about eight hours, followed by a planned six-month stay aboard the station.
Falcon 9’s first stage landed at Landing Zone 40
The Falcon 9 first stage touched down at Landing Zone 40 after its third flight. The launch broadcast follows the mission from liftoff and stage separation through the booster’s landing and confirmation of nominal orbital insertion.
