SpaceX successfully launched its eleventh operational astronaut mission for NASA on August 1, 2025. The Crew-11 mission sent four astronauts toward the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, which took off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida at 11:43 a.m. EDT (1543 GMT). The spacecraft, known as Crew Dragon Endeavour, marked its sixth flight, setting a reuse record for this type of vehicle.
The launch had been initially scheduled for July 31 but was delayed due to weather conditions. A last-minute decision to scrub the attempt occurred with just one minute remaining on the countdown clock. The successful liftoff came after the Falcon 9 rocket’s booster landed at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station approximately eight minutes after launch. This landing produced a notable sonic boom that was heard for miles, and it will be the last landing at LZ-1, which is set to be retired.
Meet the Crew-11 Astronauts
Crew-11 comprises four astronauts: NASA’s Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Oleg Platonov of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos. Notably, this mission marks the first spaceflight for Commander Zena Cardman, who was previously scheduled to launch on the Crew-9 mission but was reassigned. Cardman expressed excitement about this milestone, stating, “I am ready to contribute to the mission and make history.”
Pilot Mike Fincke, an experienced astronaut with three previous space shuttle missions, is set for his fourth trip to space. He aims to share the joy of space travel with his crewmates, particularly as two of them embark on their first orbital journey. Mission specialist Kimiya Yui is returning to space for the second time, having previously spent 142 days aboard the ISS during Expedition 44/45 in 2015. Rounding out the crew, Oleg Platonov will be making his inaugural trip into space.
Once the Crew Dragon Endeavour docks with the ISS, scheduled for August 2 at 3 a.m. ET (0700 GMT), the Crew-11 astronauts will take over responsibilities from the Crew-10 team. NASA routinely overlaps astronaut missions to ensure a continuous presence on the ISS, and this handover will facilitate a smooth transition for ongoing scientific research and station operations.
Scientific Endeavors During the Mission
During their approximately six-month stay aboard the ISS, the Crew-11 astronauts will conduct a variety of scientific experiments. These will include simulating moon landings near the lunar south pole, studying the effects of microgravity on astronauts’ eyesight, and examining how plant cells divide in space. Additionally, the crew will work on producing a higher volume of human stem cells and generating on-demand nutrients, according to NASA.
NASA is considering extending Crew Dragon missions to eight months, providing additional opportunities for research. Dana Weigel, the International Space Station Program Manager at NASA, indicated that this extension is under review, potentially affecting the current Crew-11 flight.
After Crew-11 settles into the ISS, the Crew-10 astronauts, who launched in March 2025, will return to Earth aboard the spacecraft that brought them to the station. The arrival of the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-28 mission is also anticipated in November 2025, which will bring additional crew members, including NASA astronaut Chris Williams.
This mission underscores the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and NASA as part of the Commercial Crew Program, which aims to facilitate transportation for astronauts to and from the ISS. As the twelfth flight under this program, Crew-11 continues the legacy of private-public partnerships in advancing space exploration.
