> Science Four more astronauts are launching to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 31. The liftoff is scheduled at 9:39 pm IST atop SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. On Tuesday, SpaceX completed a static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket after the crew completed a full dress rehearsal of launch day activities. Crew-11, SpaceX, and @NASA completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities pic.twitter.com/BjkKsoHHR8 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2025 According to NASA, officials have predicted that the weather will be 85% favourable for the mission. A backup launch opportunity is available the next day (August 1) at 9:13 pm IST. Weather officials predict an 85% chance of favorable weather conditions at Launch Complex 39A for the liftoff of @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft carrying #Crew11 to the @Space_Station on July 31. ALSO SEE: SpaceX Prepares Falcon 9 Rocket For NASA's Crew-11 Mission To International Space Station Falcon 9 and Dragon roll out to the launch pad at 39A in Florida for @NASA’s Crew-11 mission to the @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/PeElJtaAyT — SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 27, 2025 "During the mission, Crew-11 also will contribute to NASA's Artemis campaign by simulating Moon landing scenarios that astronauts may encounter near the lunar South Pole, showing how the space station helps prepare crews for deep space human exploration," NASA said in a statement. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft being used for Crew-11 is flying on its fifth mission after Demo-2, Crew-2, Crew-6, and Crew-8. Meanwhile, Cardman and Platonov are preparing for their debut mission to the ISS. Mission pilot Fincke, on the other hand, is flying on his fourth mission and he has logged 382 days in space whereas Japan's Yui will visit space for the second time in his career.