
Countdown to SpaceX's Crew-11 Launch: Everything You Need to Know!
2025-07-28
Author: Michael
Get Ready for Liftoff!
Mark your calendars! SpaceX is gearing up for its exhilarating Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, July 31. The launch promises to be a thrilling spectacle, streamed live across multiple platforms—so you won’t have to miss a moment!
Launch Details: When and Where?
The Crew-11 mission is slated for lift-off at 12:09 p.m. EDT (1609 GMT) from NASA's iconic Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this historic mission, four astronauts will board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, making it the 11th operational flight under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
How to Watch the Launch Live?
You can catch the excitement online! Live coverage will kick off at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT) with pre-launch commentary available on NASA TV, NASA+, and even on popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The coverage will provide a behind-the-scenes look at crew readiness and launch operations.
Meet the Crew-11 Astronauts!
The Crew-11 team is a mix of experienced astronauts and newcomers. NASA's Zena Cardman serves as commander on her maiden flight, while veteran pilot Mike Fincke brings three previous missions' worth of experience. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui adds to the crew's diverse expertise, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov joins as a first-time mission specialist.
A Journey with a Twist: Longer Flight Path Ahead!
Unlike most recent missions that reach the ISS in under 24 hours, the Crew-11 flight will take about 39 hours, allowing for precise docking maneuvers. Docking is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, around 3:00 a.m. EDT (0700 GMT), with hatch opening set for 4:45 a.m. EDT (0845 GMT).
Significant Schedule Changes!
This launch was moved up by two weeks to facilitate a critical ISS reboost maneuver during SpaceX's upcoming CRS-33 resupply mission, which will introduce new altitude-control technology vital for future operations.
Don’t Miss the Post-Launch Buzz!
Join NASA for a special post-launch news conference on July 31 at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) to discuss the launch results. This briefing will also be available for live streaming.
Get Ready for a Spectacular Event!
From liftoff to docking, brace yourself for an event filled with science, exploration, and adventure! Whether you're watching on NASA TV, streaming platforms, or from Space.com's YouTube channel, the Crew-11 mission is set to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.