NASA's Crew-11 launch: Purpose of the mission, meet the crew and more

NASA and SpaceX are preparing to launch the Crew‑11 mission to the International Space Station on Thursday.

When is the Crew-11 launch?

What we know:

Liftoff is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:09 p.m. EDT, with docking expected at about 3 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Aug. 2

Crew-11 will be aboard a Falcon 9 rocket which will launch from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. 

CREDIT: NASA

What is the purpose of the mission?

Dig deeper:

The mission’s purpose is to deliver a four‑person crew for a long‑duration stay aboard the ISS, where they will conduct scientific experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefiting life on Earth.

Who is a part of Crew-11?

The Crew‑11 team includes NASA astronauts:

  • Commander - Zena Cardman (NASA)
  • Pilot - Mike Fincke (NASA)
  • Mission Specialist - Kimiya Yui (The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
  • Mission Specialist - Oleg Platonov (Roscosmos)

CREDIT: NASA

This will be the first space flight for Cardman and Platonov. Thursday's launch will be Fincke's fourth mission and Yui's second.

The Source: The information in this article comes from NASA.

NASA