NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway, Crew-12 pilot, arrives Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at the Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center. (Kim Shiflett/NASA)
NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway is set to make a unique mark in space history as he embarks on the SpaceX Crew-12 mission, scheduled to launch on February 9, 2026. Hathaway, who serves as the pilot for this mission, is sporting a new mustache that he describes as a “classic naval aviator mustache.” This light-hearted addition to his appearance has already sparked camaraderie among his crewmates and support staff.
Hathaway, an active Navy commander, was clean-shaven when he was introduced as an astronaut candidate in 2021. During a recent interview from quarantine at the Kennedy Space Center, he expressed his enthusiasm for the mustache, stating, “The mustache is a lot of fun. The crew has enjoyed it.” He noted that some support staff, especially flight surgeons, have also grown mustaches in solidarity.
Joining Hathaway on this mission are NASA astronaut and commander Jessica Meir, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The four astronauts are preparing for an eight-month stay aboard the International Space Station.
Launch Details and Historical Context
The Crew-12 mission will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40, with a launch window opening no earlier than 5:38 a.m. on February 9. This launch has experienced a delay of one day due to weather concerns along the launch corridor. The Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft will transport the astronauts to their orbital destination.
Historically, NASA astronauts have maintained a clean-shaven appearance, especially during the early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Facial hair has made a comeback in more recent years, particularly during the space shuttle era of the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, however, the trend has reverted significantly, with only a few astronauts sporting facial hair today. Among the current active astronauts, only one, Luke Delaney, has an official portrait featuring significant facial hair.
Of the 330 male active and retired astronauts, only 44, or just over 13%, have facial hair in their official portraits. Among these, only four have full beards. The first astronaut to bring a full beard to space was Paul Scully-Power, who flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984. More recently, Chris Hadfield, a retired Canadian astronaut, gained fame for his mustache during his 2013 mission, which included a viral cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”
Camaraderie and Community Spirit
Hathaway’s mustache symbolizes more than just a playful trend; it reflects a sense of community among the Crew-12 members. “We have all different backgrounds, and that’s what makes the crew a success,” he remarked, highlighting that each member brings unique qualities to the mission. Hathaway’s personal connection to his mustache is rooted in his experience as a naval aviator, and he hopes it will serve as a conversation starter in space.
His crewmate, Meir, praised Hathaway’s mustache, pointing out its impressiveness as the crew shared light-hearted moments together. Hathaway expressed curiosity about how his mustache will behave in the microgravity environment of space, stating, “I’m looking forward to seeing what it does up there, how crazy it gets.”
The Crew-12 mission represents not only a significant scientific endeavor but also a celebration of individuality among astronauts. As Hathaway prepares for liftoff, he embodies the spirit of exploration and camaraderie that has characterized space missions throughout history. The upcoming launch promises to be a memorable moment, marking a new chapter in NASA’s ongoing journey into the cosmos.
