When is NASA’s Crew-13 launch — and how can I watch the fastest trip to space yet?
We have folded our coverage of this story into one complete guide: Why Was SpaceX Crew-13's Trip to the Space Station the Fastest Ever?
The short version: Crew-13 lifted off on October 1 at 11:10 a.m. ET aboard the Dragon capsule "Grace," targeting a record 7-hour-50-minute dash to the International Space Station. For the full story — why the trip was so fast, who is flying, what six months aboard the station involves, and how to follow the mission yourself — read the complete guide.
Why a faster trip to the station matters
Most crewed trips to the space station take much longer, circling Earth while the capsule lines up with the station's orbit. A well-timed launch can shorten that chase dramatically, meaning less time in a cramped capsule and a quicker start to the mission. The speed comes from orbital timing and planning, not from simply flying the rocket harder.
What to do, step by step
- Read the complete guide linked above for why this trip was fastest yet.
- Note the launch time and capsule name, Grace, to follow the right coverage.
- Use NASA's free coverage and replay to watch key moments you missed live.
- Follow station updates during the six-month stay, not just launch day.
- Compare future crew rotations to see if fast transits become routine.
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