SpaceX is set to conduct a crucial mid-afternoon demonstration on Monday, aimed at verifying the operational health of the Falcon 9 rocket. This rocket is scheduled to transport four crew members to the International Space Station (ISS) later this week. The mission, known as Crew-11, features three astronauts and one cosmonaut who will embark on a long-duration stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, with liftoff targeted for Thursday, July 31.
The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Before the actual launch, SpaceX plans to fuel its impressive 70-meter-tall rocket and conduct a static fire test. This procedure involves igniting the nine Merlin engines for approximately 10 seconds while the rocket remains secured in place by hold down clamps, which will only be released on launch day. Engine ignition is anticipated at 3:09 p.m. EDT (1909 UTC), following a dry dress rehearsal that allows astronauts to board the Dragon spacecraft with the Falcon 9 un-fueled.
Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage of the static fire test, starting about 30 minutes prior to the ignition event, ensuring enthusiasts and followers can stay updated on this significant milestone.
The Falcon 9 rocket assigned to the Crew-11 mission is equipped with first stage booster serial number B1094. Notably, this rocket is embarking on its third flight, having successfully launched Starlink 12-10 on April 29 and the Axiom Mission 4 on June 25. The fully integrated rocket was rolled out of its hangar at LC-39A around midnight leading into Sunday and was positioned for launch shortly before 10 a.m. EDT (1400 UTC) that same day. During this time, the crew access arm was adjusted to align with the Crew Dragon Endeavour.
The mission is commanded by NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, who, along with her three crewmates, arrived at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday afternoon as part of their standard pre-launch quarantine. This precaution is customary for missions to the ISS. Zena Cardman, along with Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, who serves as one of the two mission specialists, will be making their first journey into space. Meanwhile, NASA astronaut and pilot Mike Fincke is set to embark on his fourth spaceflight, and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui will be making his second trip to the ISS.
The Crew-11 team is scheduled to live and work aboard the ISS for a minimum of six months. However, NASA and its international partners are currently deliberating the possibility of extending the nominal mission duration to eight months. This potential extension aims to harmonize with the revised timelines associated with Russia's Soyuz missions. A final decision on the length of the Crew-11 mission is expected to be made approximately one month after the crew docks with the ISS.
