Staff Writer
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission team has arrived at Kennedy Space Center as preparations intensify for their scheduled launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, July 31, at 12:09 p.m. EDT.
The international crew includes four astronauts representing NASA, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Roscosmos. Together, they will conduct critical research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS and support ongoing efforts to prepare humans for future deep space exploration.
Who Is Aboard Crew-11?
The four-member crew consists of:
Zena Cardman (NASA) – Serving as mission commander, Cardman will be making her first spaceflight.
Mike Fincke (NASA) – A veteran astronaut with three prior spaceflights, Fincke brings extensive experience to the mission.
Kimiya Yui (JAXA) – Returning to space for his second mission, Yui previously logged 142 days aboard the ISS.
Oleg Platonov (Roscosmos) – A Russian cosmonaut embarking on his inaugural spaceflight.
Cardman and Platonov are both flying to space for the first time, marking a significant career milestone as they join more seasoned astronauts on this long-duration mission.
Mission Objectives
Crew-11 will contribute to a broad range of scientific and technological activities aboard the orbiting laboratory. Their responsibilities will include:
Conducting scientific research across disciplines such as biology, Earth science, and physical science.
Performing maintenance and upgrades to station systems.
Demonstrating advanced technologies that support long-term space travel.
NASA officials also noted that Crew-11 will help advance the agency’s Artemis campaign by participating in simulated lunar landing scenarios. These exercises will help refine techniques for future missions to the Moon, particularly near the lunar South Pole.
Launch Details
The team will launch aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft “Endeavour”, a vehicle with a proven track record, having supported previous missions including Demo-2, Crew-2, Crew-6, Crew-8, and Axiom Mission 1.
Liftoff is currently targeted for 12:09 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 31, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.
A Historic Milestone
Crew-11’s mission comes at a historic time. This fall, NASA will mark 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station, a major milestone in human spaceflight. The Crew-11 team will be on board during that anniversary, continuing a legacy of international cooperation and scientific advancement in space.
As launch day approaches, NASA and SpaceX will continue routine flight readiness reviews and final system checks to ensure a safe and successful mission.
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