NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway is set to make an unusual mark in space history as he prepares for launch with a distinctive mustache. Hathaway, who will serve as the pilot for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-12 mission, is scheduled to lift off no earlier than February 9, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard the Crew Dragon Freedom. The mission will see Hathaway and his crewmates spend approximately eight months aboard the International Space Station.
During a recent interview from quarantine at the Kennedy Space Center, Hathaway expressed his excitement about his mustache, which he describes as a “classic naval aviator mustache.” He noted, “The mustache is a lot of fun. The crew has enjoyed it,” highlighting the camaraderie it has fostered among the team. Hathaway’s fellow astronauts, including Jessica Meir, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev, have even joined in by growing their own mustaches in solidarity.
The Crew and Their Mission
The Crew-12 launch has been slightly delayed due to weather concerns along the launch corridor, pushing the initial timeline back by a day. Hathaway will be accompanied by NASA astronaut and mission commander Meir, ESA astronaut Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Fedyaev. The mission aims to continue the scientific research and international collaboration that has become synonymous with operations aboard the International Space Station.
Historically, astronauts have largely maintained clean-shaven appearances, particularly during the early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Facial hair has become more common since the Space Shuttle era of the 1980s and 1990s, although the trend has fluctuated over the years. Currently, among NASA’s active astronauts, only a small fraction sport facial hair. Of the 38 active astronauts, including 23 men, only Luke Delaney has an official portrait featuring significant facial hair.
A Historical Perspective on Facial Hair in Space
Facial hair has made rare appearances in the annals of space exploration. The first astronaut to sport a full beard in space was Paul Scully-Power, an Australian who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984. More recently, retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield captured public attention with his mustache during his 2013 mission, which included a memorable cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”
Hathaway’s mustache serves not only as a personal trademark but also as a nod to the tradition of naval aviators. He remarked, “I have mine in solidarity of all the naval officers and men and women throughout history that have worn mustaches to sea. I get to wear one to space.” This sentiment resonates within the astronaut community, where unique personal expressions often contribute to team spirit and morale.
As launch day approaches, Hathaway expressed curiosity about how his mustache will behave in the unique conditions of space. “I’m looking forward to seeing what it does up there, how crazy it gets,” he said, blending humor with anticipation.
Hathaway’s journey, marked by his iconic mustache, represents the diversity and individuality that astronauts bring to their missions. As they prepare to embark on this significant venture, they carry with them not only the weight of scientific inquiry but also the light-hearted moments that foster strong team dynamics.