Crew-13 Cleared for Launch to ISS

Dana Weigel, manager for the Low Earth Orbit Program at NASA Johnson, reported that the crew, following final check-ins at their quarters on the morning of September 30, 2026, is performing well and prepared for flight.

NASA and SpaceX have successfully resolved a prop isolation valve leak issue, completing data reviews and hardware checks for both the Falcon rocket and Dragon spacecraft.

Docking with the International Space Station is targeted for 7 p.m. EDT on October 1st, marking what is anticipated to be the fastest Dragon mission to the station, taking approximately eight hours.

The latest weather forecast indicates a 45% chance of violating launch criteria due to potential clouds and precipitation, which remains a key factor for the final launch decision.

The International Space Station's mobile transporter initially failed to accept commands to move to the Crew-13 launch position, prompting an assessment by the mission teams.

SpaceX and NASA decided to proceed with the transporter remaining at work site six, after verifying that GPS coverage for Dragon docking would remain sufficient under these conditions.

SpaceX successfully resolved the issue by resetting the unit during the rehearsal, and contingency plans have been established to address any recurrence on launch day, ensuring mission safety and readiness.

Kutryk, a former Royal Canadian Air Force test pilot, will embark on what is the fourth long-duration mission for a CSA astronaut, signifying a growing international collaboration in human spaceflight.

Canadian astronaut Josh Kutryk will oversee four new Canadian experiments and test one new protocol during his mission on the International Space Station.

These research initiatives will cover critical areas such as anemia in space, spatial disorientation, changes in vision, and the mental health of astronauts.

New technologies, including the Bio-Monitor and Acti-S, will be utilized to collect physiological data and assess the risk of blood clot formation, enhancing understanding of long-duration spaceflight impacts.

An oxidizer leak in an NTO valve was identified during environmental checks of the Crew Dragon, prompting its replacement by the SpaceX team.

The faulty valve is currently undergoing further testing at SpaceX's McGregor, Texas facility to determine the precise root cause of the leak.

A GPS system interference issue, related to the mobile transporter, was resolved by leveraging a docked Dragon spacecraft to verify system functionality.

SpaceX also addressed a SuperDraco microcomputer failure with a new operational plan, ensuring the mission's readiness and safety protocols are met.

The company remains focused on ensuring the success of its current missions while also preparing for near-term private crew flights.

William Gerstenmaier indicated that there are no immediate plans for a hard cutoff regarding Dragon flights, suggesting continued operational longevity for the spacecraft.

The company continues to prioritize immediate obligations for the International Space Station, including the upcoming Crew-12 return and the CRS-35 cargo resupply mission.

Gerstenmaier explicitly stated that production has not slowed down for either Falcon or Dragon, underscoring their commitment to near-term mission support.

All teams involved in the Crew-13 mission have collectively polled 'go' for launch, signaling technical and operational readiness.

Dr. Lori Glaze confirmed that the final authorization for launch is contingent upon the weather conditions, which will be assessed with the latest updates on launch morning.

This indicates that while internal preparations are complete, external environmental factors remain the final determinant for the mission's go-ahead.

SpaceX performed a unique maintenance procedure on the Dragon vehicle while it was stacked on its trunk in Area 59 at Cape Canaveral.

This involved replacing a valve within the vehicle's oxidizer tank, which was full of nitrogen tetroxide, a highly unusual and complex operation.

The procedure required special range permission for hot work, with skilled welders and teams meticulously ensuring everything was executed correctly, cutting and welding the valve with sufficient tubing for reattachment.

William Gerstenmaier distinguished Starship's developmental testing from Falcon missions, explaining that Starship flights operate under an incremental test program.

This approach uses incremental test points to verify engine health and allows for the capability to abort an orbit raise if performance is not optimal.

He confirmed that the Starship successfully passed each test point, continued to stay on orbit, and deployed all 26 Starlink satellites as planned.

This systematic verification ensures that each step is successful before proceeding to the next, optimizing the test flight program's efficiency and safety.

Dana Weigel of NASA clarified that active crew contracts supporting the International Space Station are currently limited to SpaceX and Starliner.

While NASA monitors broader industry interest through unfunded agreements and partnerships, the agency is seeking comprehensive end-to-end transportation plans in upcoming Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Mathieu Caron responded to a reporter's query about knowledge sharing between Crew-13 and Polaris Dawn by explaining that Canadian research data is systematically gathered and peer-reviewed.

The overarching goal is to pool data from various space platforms, thereby increasing the collective public scientific knowledge and maximizing the impact of space missions.

William Gerstenmaier addressed a reporter's question regarding potential superstition associated with the mission number 13, defending the name as a deliberate tribute.

He highlighted that the name honors the Apollo 13 mission's legacy of teamwork between the crew and ground control in overcoming extremely complex and dire circumstances.

This choice emphasizes a focus on high-complexity problem-solving and the ability to surmount significant challenges, reflecting the best aspects of human spaceflight.

Dana Weigel outlined NASA's comprehensive communication and support systems, including real-time family connections via WhatsApp and video conferencing, crucial for maintaining crew morale.

Psychological and family support teams work to coordinate communication coverage, and NASA acknowledges the need to schedule time off for astronauts to accommodate major life events, such as childbirth, demonstrating a commitment to their overall well-being.