NASA Reveals SpaceX Crew-14 Roles for International Space Station Mission

Upcoming International Space Station Mission

Crew Launch Overview:
Four astronauts from three different space agencies will embark on a long-duration science mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) no earlier than spring 2027, as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-14 mission.

Crew Members:

• NASA Astronauts:

  • Kayla Barron (Commander)

    • Background: Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Cambridge.
    • Experience: Former submarine warfare officer and veteran of one previous space mission (Crew-3), accumulating 177 days in space.

  • Chris Birch (Pilot)

    • Background: Holds degrees from the University of Arizona and a doctorate from MIT.
    • Experience: Has a background in bioengineering and competitive cycling, serving previously as a capsule communicator and crew lead for Expedition 72.

• JAXA Astronaut:

  • Makoto Suwa (Mission Specialist)
    • Background: Former World Bank Group employee with a doctorate in geosciences from Princeton University.
    • Experience: Selected as an astronaut candidate in 2023, with additional training completed in 2024.

• Roscosmos Cosmonaut:

  • Arutyun Kiviryan (Mission Specialist)
    • Background: Graduate in rocket science from Baltic State Technical University.
    • Experience: Joined the Cosmonaut Corps in 2021 and has served as a test cosmonaut since 2023.

Mission Objectives:
This mission marks the 14th commercial crew rotation under NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program. The crew will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to aid in preparing for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars and provide benefits to people on Earth.

Significance of the ISS:
For over 25 years, the ISS has been a crucial platform for scientific research and understanding the challenges of human spaceflight. It serves to advance commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit and supports long-duration mission preparations for the Artemis program and Mars exploration.

Learn More:
To find out more about research and operations on the ISS, visit: NASA ISS Website.

Published on: September 24, 2026, at 5:32 PM.
Source: NASA Commercial Crew Program.