NASA Sets Stage for SpaceX Crew-11 Mission to International Space Station
Houston, July 2, 2025 — NASA has officially announced its plans for the SpaceX Crew-11 mission, the eleventh crew rotation flight to the International Space Station (ISS) under its Commercial Crew Program. With launch preparations intensifying, the agency will host a series of briefings on July 10 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, offering the public and media a final opportunity to engage with the astronauts before liftoff.
The Crew-11 mission, scheduled to launch in late July or early August, will carry four astronauts from three different space agencies aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The team includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
A Multinational Team Bound for Orbit
The Crew-11 lineup exemplifies international collaboration in space exploration. Commander Zena Cardman, a first-time flyer, brings a strong scientific background in geobiology and marine sciences. Her research has focused on subsurface environments, making her uniquely suited for missions that simulate conditions on the Moon and Mars.
Pilot Mike Fincke is a seasoned veteran with three previous spaceflights, including nine spacewalks and over 380 days in orbit. His experience spans NASA’s Shuttle and ISS programs, and he has played a key role in developing both the Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
Mission Specialist Kimiya Yui returns to space for his second mission. A former fighter pilot and lieutenant colonel in Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, Yui previously flew on Expedition 44/45 and was the first Japanese astronaut to capture JAXA’s H-II Transfer Vehicle. He also led the JAXA Astronaut Group and contributed to over 20 scientific investigations during his prior mission.
Rounding out the crew is Oleg Platonov, a rookie cosmonaut from Russia. Selected by Roscosmos in 2018, Platonov has undergone rigorous training in zero gravity, wilderness survival, and aircraft piloting. His inclusion marks a new chapter in Russian participation aboard the ISS.
Mission Objectives and Scientific Goals
Once aboard the ISS, Crew-11 will embark on a long-duration science expedition. Their work will support research in biology, medicine, physics, and materials science, contributing to NASA’s Artemis campaign and future Mars missions. The astronauts will also test new technologies designed to enhance life on Earth and enable deeper space exploration.
NASA emphasizes that the ISS remains a critical testbed for long-duration human spaceflight. For over two decades, the station has hosted continuous human habitation, enabling breakthroughs in science and engineering that would be impossible on Earth.
Briefings and Media Access
NASA’s July 10 media day will feature three key events:
- 12 p.m. EDT: Mission Overview News Conference with NASA and SpaceX leadership, including Steve Stich (NASA Commercial Crew Program), Sarah Walker (SpaceX Dragon Mission Management), and Mayumi Matsuura (JAXA Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate).
- 2 p.m. EDT: Crew News Conference featuring all four astronauts.
- 3 p.m. EDT: Individual interview opportunities with Crew-11 members
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These briefings will be streamed live on NASA’s YouTube channel and mark the final media engagement before the crew travels to Kennedy Space Center in Florida for launch preparations.
Media representatives wishing to attend in person must contact NASA’s Johnson newsroom by July 7. Virtual interviews and phone participation are also available upon request.
Launch Details and Vehicle Assignment
Crew-11 will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. This marks the 11th operational crew rotation mission using SpaceX’s Dragon vehicle, continuing NASA’s partnership with private industry to maintain human spaceflight capabilities from U.S. soil.
The mission is part of NASA’s broader strategy to foster a robust low Earth orbit economy while preparing for deep space exploration. As commercial companies take on greater roles in human space transportation, NASA is shifting focus to the Moon and Mars through its Artemis program.
Astronaut Profiles: Experience Meets Innovation
Zena Cardman was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017. A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, she holds degrees in Biology and Marine Sciences and was pursuing a doctorate in Geosciences at the time of her selection. Her research has taken her from deep-sea sediments to cave systems, offering analogs for extraterrestrial environments. Cardman has supported real-time station operations and lunar surface planning since completing her training.
Mike Fincke, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, is one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts. He holds degrees from MIT and Stanford and has flown on three missions: Expedition 9, Expedition 18, and STS-134. Fincke has logged over 2,000 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft and has been instrumental in certifying both Dragon and Starliner spacecraft for crewed missions.
Kimiya Yui graduated from Japan’s National Defense Academy and served in the Air Staff Office at the Ministry of Defense. He flew on Expedition 44/45 and conducted 21 experiments aboard Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module. Yui’s leadership and technical expertise have made him a key figure in JAXA’s astronaut corps.
Oleg Platonov earned degrees in Aircraft Operations and State Management before joining Roscosmos. His training includes scuba diving, zero gravity simulations, and survival operations. As a test cosmonaut, Platonov represents the next generation of Russian spaceflight professionals.
A Symbol of Global Cooperation
Crew-11’s diverse makeup underscores the ISS’s role as a symbol of international unity. Despite geopolitical tensions, space agencies from the U.S., Japan, and Russia continue to collaborate on scientific research and human exploration.
NASA officials have praised the crew’s synergy and commitment to advancing space science. “This team brings together a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “Their work will help pave the way for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.”
Looking Ahead
As the launch window approaches, excitement is building across the space community. Crew-11’s mission will not only sustain the ISS’s scientific output but also serve as a stepping stone toward more ambitious goals.
NASA’s Artemis campaign aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. The technologies and research conducted aboard the ISS are vital to overcoming the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and developing sustainable habitats on other worlds.
Meanwhile, commercial partnerships like the one with SpaceX are reshaping the landscape of human spaceflight. By leveraging private innovation, NASA is expanding access to space and fostering a new era of exploration.
Final Thoughts
The SpaceX Crew-11 mission represents more than just another trip to the ISS—it’s a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and cooperation. With a crew that blends experience and fresh talent, and a launch vehicle that embodies cutting-edge technology, the mission is poised to make meaningful contributions to science and exploration.
As Zena Cardman prepares for her first journey into orbit, she joins a legacy of explorers who have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. And as Mike Fincke returns for his fourth mission, he brings the wisdom of a seasoned astronaut to guide the team through the rigors of space.
Together with Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov, Crew-11 will carry the hopes of three nations—and the dreams of countless people—into the stars.
