Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov has successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Crew-11 mission. The launch originated from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on August 1, 2025.
The mission utilizes a Falcon-9 launch vehicle carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The lift-off was initially scheduled for Thursday, July 31, but had to be delayed by one day due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov en route to the Kennedy Space Center launch pad, August 1, 2025. © AP Photo / John Raoux
Beyond Platonov, the international crew comprises American astronauts Zena Cardman, who serves as the commander, and Michael Fincke, the pilot. They are joined by Japanese specialist Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This joint space endeavor is being conducted under a pre-existing cross-flight agreement between Russia`s Roscosmos and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
