Crew-11 arrives at the International Space Station after previous launch was cancelled
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 launched at 3:43 PM UTC on Friday aboard the Dragon spacecraft, propelled by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch was initially scheduled for Thursday, July 31, but was scrubbed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
About 15 hours after liftoff, Dragon docked to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. After docking at 6:27 AM UTC on Saturday, the hatches between the Dragon and the ISS opened at 7:46 AM UTC.
The Crew-11 members aboard the spacecraft include NASA's Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA's Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos' Oleg Platonov. During their stay aboard the ISS, Crew-11 will carry out experiments aimed at both deep space missions and real-world benefits.
The crew is tasked with simulating lunar landings, exploring ways to protect astronauts’ vision, and contributing to human spaceflight research under NASA’s Human Research Program. The crew will also examine plant cell division and how microgravity affects bacteria-killing viruses. They will conduct experiments to produce more human stem cells and generate on-demand nutrients.
The agency’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the space station is the first step toward our permanent presence on the Moon. NASA, in conjunction with great American companies, continues the mission with Artemis in 2026. — Sean Duffy, Acting NASA Administrator
The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which partners with private companies to transport astronauts to the ISS, enabling more research and paving the way for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.
