SOUTH WINDSOR, CT (WFSB) – A Connecticut native launched to the International Space Station Friday as pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission.
Navy Captain Jack Hathaway, who was born and raised in South Windsor, lifted off at 5:15 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Navy Captain Jack Hathaway, who was born and raised in South Windsor, lifted off at 5:15 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.(NASA)
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carried Hathaway along with NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the orbiting laboratory for a long-duration science mission.
This image provided by SpaceX shows members of NASA’s SpaceX mission from left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev, NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway and Jessica Meir, and ESA (European Space Agency) French astronaut Sophie Adenot as they complete a full rehearsal of launch day activities, Feb. 9, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla.(SpaceX via AP)
Hathaway graduated from South Windsor High School in 2000 and earned bachelor’s degrees in physics and history from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004.
The 42-year-old astronaut was selected by NASA to join the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class and reported for duty in January 2022.
Before joining NASA, Hathaway supported the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon and was assigned as prospective executive officer for Strike Fighter Squadron 81.
His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, and Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
The Crew-12 mission marks Hathaway’s first spaceflight. As pilot, he will assist the commander with spacecraft operations during launch, docking, and return to Earth.
The four-person crew will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations during their stay aboard the International Space Station.
The mission duration has not been specified, but typical long-duration missions last approximately six months.
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