SpaceX Launches International Crew to ISS Amidst Diplomatic Talks

Crew-11 mission lifts off with US, Japanese, and Russian astronauts

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has successfully launched NASA’s Crew-11 mission, carrying a multinational crew to the International Space Station for a six-month stay. The launch marks a significant moment for international space cooperation, even as recent diplomatic engagements between space agencies take center stage.

Crew-11 Begins Orbital Journey

The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon capsule lifted off precisely at 11:44 a.m. local time from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. On board are NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, alongside Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. This marks the sixth flight for the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, a testament to ongoing efforts to extend the operational life of the capsules. NASA is working with SpaceX to certify the spacecraft for up to 15 flights, a move that could significantly increase launch cadence.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements Precede Launch

The launch follows a crucial meeting between the heads of NASA and Russia’s Roscosmos space agency. Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, met with NASA’s acting administrator, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, at Kennedy Space Center. This encounter, the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since 2018, focused on continuing collaboration in space exploration. Bakanov’s visit also included tours of SpaceX facilities, underscoring the strong working relationship between the agencies and the private sector.

“We’ve had to go through and do a recertification effort of Dragon working hand in hand with SpaceX to get to six flights,”

—Steve Stich, Program Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program

A Milestone in Commercial Crew Program

This mission, designated Crew-11, represents SpaceX’s 12th crewed flight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. It includes one test flight and eleven full-duration missions, highlighting the growing reliability and capability of private spaceflight. The crew is expected to dock with the International Space Station on Saturday around 3 a.m. New York time.

The successful launch comes after a previous attempt was scrubbed due to weather. It also follows a public disagreement between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump, which briefly raised concerns about the future of the Dragon spacecraft. In recent years, the number of astronauts from different nations traveling to the ISS on commercial flights has steadily increased, reflecting a globalized approach to space exploration. For instance, in 2024, 18 astronauts from 9 countries visited the ISS, showcasing diverse international participation.