NASA has announced that astronaut Zena Cardman will be leading the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. The four-member crew will also include NASA’s Mike Fincke, JAXA’s Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos’ Oleg Platonov. This exciting news comes after Cardman’s removal from the Crew-9 mission due to reshuffling to accommodate Boeing’s Starliner crew. This will be Cardman’s first spaceflight, making her the youngest commander in NASA’s history.
Cardman, a 33-year-old geologist and microbiologist, was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017. She has since undergone rigorous training and preparation for her first space mission. Her passion for science and exploration has led her to this incredible opportunity to command a mission to the ISS.
“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to lead the Crew-11 mission,” Cardman said in a statement. “This is a dream come true for me, and I am grateful for the trust and confidence that NASA has placed in me.”
The Crew-11 mission was originally planned to be led by astronaut Nicole Mann, who was also selected in the same astronaut class as Cardman. However, due to changes in the crew assignments, Mann will now be a part of the Crew-9 mission, which is scheduled to launch in 2022. This reshuffling was necessary to accommodate the Starliner crew, as Boeing is also a partner in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Despite the change in plans, Cardman remains positive and excited about her new role as commander. She has been working closely with her crewmates, Fincke, Yui, and Platonov, to prepare for their mission to the ISS. The four of them have been training together for months, building a strong bond and camaraderie that will be crucial for their success in space.
The Crew-11 mission is expected to launch in the second half of 2022, and the crew will spend six months aboard the ISS. During their time in space, they will conduct various scientific experiments, maintenance tasks, and spacewalks. They will also be a part of the ongoing research and exploration efforts to further our understanding of the universe and pave the way for future missions.
Cardman’s appointment as commander is a significant milestone for NASA, as she will be the first woman to lead a mission to the ISS. Her achievement is a testament to the agency’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the space program. It also serves as an inspiration for young girls and women who aspire to pursue a career in STEM and space exploration.
“Zena’s appointment as commander is a historic moment for NASA and the space industry,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “She is an exceptional astronaut, and I have no doubt that she will lead her crew with great skill and determination. We are proud to have her represent NASA and our nation on this important mission.”
Cardman’s journey to becoming a NASA astronaut and now a commander is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and perseverance. She has shown that with passion and determination, anything is possible. Her appointment as commander of the Crew-11 mission is a significant achievement not only for her but for the entire space community.
As we look towards the future of space exploration, it is essential to have strong and capable leaders like Zena Cardman. Her appointment as commander of the Crew-11 mission is a step towards a more diverse and inclusive space program. It is a reminder that the sky is not the limit, and with determination and teamwork, we can achieve the impossible. We wish Cardman and her crewmates all the best for their upcoming mission, and we eagerly await their safe return to Earth.
