Rocketing with a Personal Touch
NASA astronaut Zena Cardman is gearing up for liftoff to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew-11 mission. In a deeply emotional gesture, she’ll carry special cards written by her father—sent before he passed away last August—with the touching plan that they’ll be waiting for her when she arrives at the ISS. These heartfelt notes anchor her journey with a tangible connection to home.
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LeadStory
Mission Snapshot: Crew-11 Takes Flight
Launch Date: August 1, 2025
Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 (Crew Dragon capsule)
Crew Members:
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman (first spaceflight) & Mike Fincke (veteran with 381 days in space)
Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui (second flight)
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov (first flight)
The Washington Post
Houston Chronicle
The mission coincides with the 25th anniversary of continuous human presence on the ISS.
Houston Chronicle
Initially planned for Thursday, the launch was delayed due to weather but rescheduled successfully.
The Washington Post
CBS News
A Personal Connection in Orbit
Zena Cardman’s journey carries more than scientific tools—it carries her father’s words. Before his passing, he left behind cards intended to be delivered to her at the International Space Station. For Cardman, this is not just nostalgia—it’s an emotional lifeline to her family, floating miles above Earth.
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A Milestone Mission in Turbulent Times
This mission unfolds amid internal challenges for NASA—budget cuts, a leadership shakeup with an interim head, and staffing reductions. Yet, the agency remains resolute in its commitment to safety and mission success.
The Washington Post
Why This Matters
Element Significance
Human Touch in Space Highlights the emotional side of space exploration
Continuity in Space Marks a quarter-century of continuous human presence aboard ISS
Resilience in Adversity NASA’s dedication continues despite internal turbulence
Personal Legacy A powerful reminder that exploration is deeply personal
