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 to the International Space Station (ISS). They arrived after a 34-hour journey on February 14.
This marks Meir’s second mission to the ISS. She previously traveled to space in 2019 and conducted three spacewalks, including an all-female spacewalk with Christina Koch. 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.”
As commander for Crew-12 and Expedition 75, Meir described the new role as bringing “a new level of commitment and responsibility,” emphasizing both leadership and support for her crew. She also noted the personal challenges of being away from her family: “Leaving my three-year-old daughter for eight months is certainly not something I take lightly, or perhaps have even fully grasped at this point! … I can only hope that when she is older and looks back on it, she sees herself as a part of the adventure, and understands the value of our efforts and contributions to science and exploration.”
Over the next eight months aboard the ISS, Meir and her team will conduct scientific investigations for Expeditions 74 and 75. Their work includes testing new technologies designed to prepare humans for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Scripps Director Meenakshi Wadhwa commented on Meir’s career: “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 interest in science began during her childhood in Maine. She earned her Ph.D. in marine biology from Scripps Oceanography in 2009 after researching deep-diving animals in Antarctica. Her mentors at Scripps supported both her research interests and aspirations toward becoming an astronaut.
During this mission, Meir expressed enthusiasm about participating in various experiments: “For example, our crew will be testing and commissioning E4D, the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device … It is capable of resistive exercise (weight lifting), cycling, rowing and rope pulling.” She also highlighted physiological studies such as Cartilage Degeneration (joint health), Cervical in Space (spinal health), RelaxPro (mindfulness), as well as manual piloting exercises simulating moon landings.
Mentoring crewmates has been particularly meaningful for Meir: “The most rewarding part of the mission for me thus far has been the opportunity to mentor my crewmates … Knowing what it felt like for me the first moment I arrived in space … I hope that I can have a positive impact on their experience.”
UC San Diego alumni have played significant roles at NASA over recent years. Megan McArthur contributed more than two decades at NASA before retiring in 2025; Kate Rubins became the first person to sequence DNA in space; Deniz Burnham earned astronaut wings in 2024 while serving as a Navy Reserve lieutenant.
Beyond its alumni astronauts, UC San Diego maintains strong ties with NASA through former faculty such as Sally Ride—the first American woman in space—and ongoing campus research related to medicine tested in orbit or planetary discovery.
Ahead of launch preparations for Crew-12, Meir discussed how leading this mission differs from her previous flight: “This time, I am responsible not only for myself but for the entire crew … Now my primary focus is the well being, camaraderie and development of my crew.” She also mentioned missing nature while away but acknowledged that “the wonder of being in space … often leaves you missing absolutely nothing at all!”
Meir plans to stay connected with loved ones through music playlists curated by friends throughout her mission.
