NASA and SpaceX are finalizing preparations for the launch of Crew-11, the next long-duration mission to the International Space Station (ISS), currently targeted for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:09 PM ET from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew members arrived yesterday at KSC, and are undergoing their final preparations for Wednesday’s launch.

The mission will send four astronauts to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, flying the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft on its sixth voyage to orbit. The launch marks the eleventh operational crew rotation flight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Should weather or technical issues delay the liftoff, NASA and SpaceX have identified Thursday, August 1, as the primary backup launch opportunity, with a similar afternoon launch window.

Leading the Mission: Commander Zena Cardman

At the helm of Crew-11 is NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, making her first journey into space. Selected by NASA in 2017, Cardman holds degrees in biology and marine science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to her astronaut career, she conducted research in microbial ecology and geobiology—skills that align closely with her role in conducting biological experiments on the ISS.

A Veteran Returns: Mike Fincke

Seated beside Cardman in the pilot’s chair is veteran astronaut Mike Fincke. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel and flight test engineer, Fincke has already logged more than 381 days in space across two ISS expeditions and one space shuttle mission. He has also completed nine spacewalks.

Originally assigned to the Boeing Starliner program, Fincke was the backup astronaut attached the the Crew Flight Test of Starliner that resulted in the unexpectedly long stay aboard ISS for astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.

Finke was reassigned to Crew-11 after the return of Starliner, and commercial crew schedule adjustments were made thanks to delays introduced by the CFT problems. His experience provides invaluable backup for the relatively newer members of the team, and his familiarity with long-duration spaceflight is expected to be critical in managing station operations and mentoring the crew aboard.

Representing Japan: Kimiya Yui

JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui returns to orbit for his second flight, having previously served aboard the ISS in 2015 during Expedition 44/45. Yui, a former fighter pilot in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, was instrumental in setting up Japan’s Kibo laboratory module during his first mission. On Crew-11, he’ll continue that legacy by supporting international science initiatives and representing Japan’s contributions to the station’s operations.

A Russian Debut: Oleg Platonov

Rounding out the crew is Oleg Platonov, a first-time space traveler from Russia’s Roscosmos agency. Platonov, an aerospace engineer and former Air Force officer, was initially scheduled to fly on a Soyuz mission but joined Crew-11 under a seat-swap agreement between NASA and Roscosmos.

Despite political tensions on Earth, Platonov’s role highlights the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Russia in maintaining the ISS as a platform for peaceful international science and exploration.

Once At ISS

Once aboard the ISS, the crew will take part in Expeditions 73 and 74, diving into hundreds of research projects ranging from plant biology to space manufacturing to human health in microgravity. The mission also serves as preparation for the Artemis program, as NASA continues to build systems and experience for future lunar missions.

Dragon Endeavour, making its sixth flight, adds another chapter to its legacy as the most frequently reused crew spacecraft in NASA’s current fleet. If all goes according to plan, Crew-11 will return to Earth in April 2026 with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.