A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched four crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:43 a.m. on 1 August 2025 for a science expedition aboard the International Space Station.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

During their mission, Crew-11 will conduct scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit simulating lunar landings, test strategies to safeguard vision, and advance other human spaceflight studies led by NASA’s Human Research Program. The crew also will study plant cell division and microgravity’s effects on bacteria-killing viruses, as well as perform experiments to produce a higher volume of human stem cells and generate on-demand nutrients.

Rupert

Nestled within the underbrush of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum lives a curious little armadillo named Rupert. The Museum is located on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (known as “The Cape”) on Florida’s Space Coast. Rupert calls this place home. It offers him ample opportunity to explore and make new friends. The Cape’s big claim to fame is rocket launches. Ever since Rupert saw his first launch as a young pup, he wanted to learn more about these things that would ride a tail of fire into space.

Rupert understands that you need to know where you have been to know where you are going. His parents taught him the importance of studying history. Nearly one hundred years ago, Rupert’s ancestors escaped from a local zoo. Over generations they multiplied and spread. Rupert has cousins throughout the Space Coast. He was raised under the shadows of the Cape’s mighty launch complexes. Cape activity inspired his fascination with space exploration.

Today, Rupert embarks upon adventures throughout the Space Coast. Armadillos are known for limited sight and hearing, but Rupert’s craving for exploration makes up for it. He studies past and present Cape activities to ensure success. Rupert’s objective is to explore the next frontier – outer space. He wants to be the first armadillo to escape the surly bonds of Earth’s gravity. He is Rupert the Space Armadillo!

This is the official logo for Rupert the Space Armadillo, mascot of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum. Rupert is set to launch aboard NASA’s Crew-11 mission as an ambassador for exploration, history, and imagination.