NASA Plans Briefings Ahead of SpaceX Crew-11 Launch to ISS

NASA Prepares for Crew-11 Mission Briefings

NASA has announced that it will conduct a series of press briefings to discuss the upcoming Crew-11 mission, which is set to take NASA astronauts and international partners to the International Space Station (ISS). The two press conferences will take place on Thursday, July 10, from the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

At 12 p.m. EDT, mission leaders will provide a comprehensive update on final preparations and launch readiness. This news conference will be streamed live on NASA's YouTube channel, where viewers can gain insights into the mission's operational updates and goals.

Following the overview, the second briefing is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT, featuring the Crew-11 team themselves. This is anticipated to be a peak opportunity for media to engage with the astronauts ahead of their imminent launch. Following the crew conference at 3 p.m., individual interviews with Crew-11 members will be conducted, allowing select media representatives to ask questions directly to the astronauts.

The Crew-11 mission is slated to launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft powered by a Falcon 9 rocket, and is expected to lift off in late July or early August. This mission will carry a diverse crew into space, including NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Oleg Platonov from Roscosmos. Each member brings a wealth of experience and unique backgrounds to the mission, contributing to the growing international partnership in human space exploration.

Zena Cardman, the mission commander, is poised to embark on her inaugural spaceflight. With a robust academic background that includes a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master's in Marine Sciences from the University of North Carolina, Cardman is also working towards her Ph.D. in Geosciences. Her research focuses on geological processes in extreme environments, showcasing her versatility and readiness for space exploration.

Mike Fincke, the crew pilot, is no stranger to space, having previously logged 382 days in orbit and participated in nine spacewalks during his prior missions. His extensive experience with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program has made him integral to advancing the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft's operational capabilities. Fincke’s educational credentials include degrees from MIT and a master's from Stanford, as well as a distinguished career as a U.S. Air Force colonel.

Kimiya Yui brings vital international experience with 142 days in space, having previously served as a flight engineer. He is known for his operational expertise, including overseeing JAXA's robotic systems for cargo delivery missions to the ISS.

Oleg Platonov joins the crew as a new cosmonaut, having been selected in 2018 for his unique skill set in technical operations and aerospace management. This mission marks his first journey to the cosmos.

For media looking to attend the press conferences in person, NASA has set deadlines for accreditation requests, mandating that interested parties contact the Johnson newsroom. Those wishing to join virtually can arrange participation via phone prior to the event, demonstrating NASA’s commitment to providing opportunities for engagement with this historic mission.

In addition to launching the Crew-11 astronauts into orbit, this mission embodies the spirit of cooperation among international space agencies, paving the way for continued research and exploration aboard the ISS, a platform vital for scientific discovery and collaborative advancements in humanity’s extended presence in space.

For ongoing updates about the mission and the astronauts, follow NASA's official channels and their designated social media handles. This mission represents yet another chapter in NASA's ongoing efforts to enhance human presence beyond Earth, bridging communities worldwide through exploration and discovery.

Stay tuned for further announcements regarding live press conference streams and additional details as the Crew-11 mission approaches its launch date.