NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, a graduate of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, has returned to space as the commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission. On February 13, Meir and three crewmates launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, traveling aboard a Dragon spacecraft. They arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on February 14 after a 34-hour journey.
This marks Meir’s second mission to the ISS. She first flew to space in 2019. Now serving as both spacecraft commander for Crew-12 and Expedition 75, she described her new role as bringing “a new level of commitment and responsibility,” noting that it involves leading and supporting her crew. Meir also acknowledged the personal challenges this time, stating that participating in a long-duration mission carries extra weight now that she is a wife and mother.
Over the next eight months, Meir and her team will conduct scientific investigations for Expeditions 74 and 75 aboard the ISS. Their work includes testing new technologies intended to prepare humans for future missions to the moon and Mars.
Reflecting on her experience from orbit, Meir said: “When we gaze at our planet from above, it is immediately clear that everything is interconnected. The vast oceans, the continuous land masses and all that they contain. We are one humankind here on our shared home planet.”
A group of friends and former colleagues from Scripps Oceanography traveled to Florida to witness the launch in person while others watched via livestream around the world.
Scripps Director Meenakshi Wadhwa commented on Meir’s achievements: “Jessica Meir’s path from doctoral researcher at Scripps Oceanography to NASA astronaut and now spacecraft commander is inspiring. It is an honor for UC San Diego to count her as a proud alumna, and I know I join many on campus in looking forward to following her remarkable journey.”
Meir’s background includes earning a Ph.D. in marine biology in 2009 with research focused on deep-diving animals in extreme environments such as Antarctica. She credits mentors Paul Ponganis and Jerry Kooyman at Scripps for supporting both her research career and aspirations toward becoming an astronaut.
During her first spaceflight, Meir conducted hundreds of experiments and participated in three spacewalks—including an all-female spacewalk with fellow astronaut Christina Koch.
Meir is among four UC San Diego alumnae who have served or been selected as NASA astronauts: Megan McArthur contributed more than two decades at NASA before retiring in 2025; Kate Rubins completed two flights before retiring; Deniz Burnham earned astronaut wings in 2024 while serving as a Navy Reserve lieutenant.
In addition to alumni connections, UC San Diego has other ties with NASA through faculty such as Sally Ride—the first American woman in space—and through campus researchers involved with various projects related to medicine, planetary discovery, and astrophysics.
Ahead of Crew-12’s launch, Meir discussed differences between this mission and her previous flight: “This mission feels very different from my first one given my role as the Dragon spacecraft commander… Now my primary focus is the well being, camaraderie and development of my crew.” She also spoke about balancing family life during this extended absence: “Leaving my three-year-old daughter for eight months is certainly not something I take lightly… I can only hope that when she is older… she sees herself as a part of the adventure.”
Meir expressed excitement about participating in experiments such as testing ESA’s Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), which supports various forms of exercise relevant for future missions beyond low Earth orbit. She will also be involved with studies related to joint health (Cartilage Degeneration), spinal adaptation (Cervical in Space), mindfulness (RelaxPro), manual piloting simulations for lunar landings, mentoring rookie astronauts Jack Hathaway and Sophie Adenot—and possibly conducting another spacewalk.
Asked what she would miss most during her time away from Earth, Meir replied: “Most certainly the one thing that I will miss the most is my daughter… Like my first flight, I’ll also miss nature —the feeling of breeze on your skin… but I also found that… being onboard ISS often leaves you missing absolutely nothing at all!”
On music preferences during flight preparations she noted: “We do have a playlist where we each pick a few songs… There will be a lot of indie music. You can be sure that The National will be part of it—they serenaded me in space on my last mission.”
Those interested can follow Jessica Meir’s updates via Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).
