NASA has announced crew assignments for the SpaceX Crew-13 mission, which is scheduled to launch no later than mid-September to the International Space Station. The mission brings together astronauts and cosmonauts from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and Roscosmos for a long-duration scientific flight in low Earth orbit.
The four-member team will join Expedition 75 once they arrive at the orbiting laboratory. NASA also adjusted the launch schedule, moving it earlier than previously planned to increase the pace of crew rotation under the Commercial Crew Program. The mission continues a long series of SpaceX-supported flights to the space station, focusing on scientific research, technology testing and preparations for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Each crew member brings specialized training and operational experience from aviation, engineering and aerospace science backgrounds.
NASA SpaceX Crew-13 astronauts Assigned: Key roles of the International Space Station mission
NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney were assigned key flight roles. Watkins will serve as the spacecraft’s commander, while Delaney will serve as the pilot. They are joined by Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kotryk and Roscosmos astronaut Sergei Teteriatnikov, who will serve as mission specialists.
The crew represents three space agencies working together on the International Space Station program.Once aboard the station, the team will be integrated into Expedition 75 operations. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments in microgravity, supporting maintenance missions, and contributing to the ongoing operation of the station’s systems. The mission continues NASA’s collaboration with international partners through the Commercial Crew Program, which relies on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft for transportation to orbit.
NASA astronauts Watkins and Delaney are assigned to Crew-13 mission roles
Jessica Watkins makes her second trip to the International Space Station. She previously flew aboard SpaceX Crew-4 in 2022 and spent 170 days in space during the 67th and 68th missions. Watkins has a background in geology, with academic work focusing on planetary surfaces, including studies of Mars. She also contributed to the science team for NASA’s Curiosity rover at JPL. Her appointment as commander makes her responsible for mission execution and crew coordination during flight operations.Luke Delaney makes his first space flight. He has a background in mechanical and aeronautical engineering, along with experience as a naval aviator and test pilot. Delaney worked on developmental aircraft systems and airborne research missions at NASA Langley Research Center. His role as a pilot includes supporting spacecraft operations during the launch, docking and undocking phases.
International crew members in crew 13
Joshua Kutric of the Canadian Space Agency is also flying into space for the first time.
His career includes service as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, along with experience as a test pilot. Kutric has an academic background in mechanical engineering and aerospace studies, with additional qualifications in flight test engineering and defense studies. His role as a mission specialist includes supporting scientific experiments and station operations.Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergei Tetryatnikov completes the Crew-13 team.
He trained as a marine engineer before joining the Russian Cosmonaut Corps in 2021. His work background includes marine engineering roles involving ship systems and specialist mechanical operations. This mission marks his first trip to the International Space Station, where he will contribute to technical missions and research activities.
The International Space Station continues its 25-year legacy as Crew-13 supports deep space goals
Crew-13 will conduct numerous experiments focused on studying human physiology, physical sciences, and technological performance in microgravity.
This type of activity allows scientists to learn more about the effect of long-haul flights on the human body, and the results can be used to plan missions to other places.In addition, the International Space Station has been hosting astronauts continuously since 1998. The station is a means of cooperation between countries and a center for various types of scientific experiments. The upcoming mission will continue the series of operations and help NASA achieve other goals within the Artemis project.
