This week marks one of the busiest launch schedules of 2025, with 12 space missions planned globally. SpaceX leads the pack with five missions, including the high-profile Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.
SpaceX and NASA Collaboration
Crew-11 is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center with four astronauts aboard: Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke from NASA, Kimiya Yui from Japan’s JAXA, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platanov. Their six-month mission focuses on scientific research aboard the ISS.
Global Activity Beyond SpaceX
In India, ISRO will launch the NISAR satellite — a joint NASA-ISRO mission — aboard a GSLV Mk II. NISAR will map Earth’s surface using radar to study events like earthquakes, volcanoes, and ice melt. NASA contributes the L-band radar; ISRO handles the S-band radar and launch logistics.
China, meanwhile, will carry out four launches. These include the Chang Zheng 8A and 12 rockets, sending Guowang communications satellites to low-Earth orbit. These satellites are part of China’s megaconstellation project aiming to rival Starlink domestically.
Australian Pride, But Setback
Australia launched its domestically built Eris rocket for the first time, but it suffered a failure shortly after liftoff. Despite this, it marks a significant step for the Australian space program.
Other Highlights
- Rocket Lab is launching a suborbital test called JAKE 4 from Virginia, likely testing a hypersonic missile system.
- SpaceX is also launching multiple batches of Starlink satellites throughout the week.
- The Falcon 9 rocket is set for its 500th recovery attempt, underlining SpaceX’s push for reusability.
With missions ranging from commercial satellites to interplanetary science, this week reflects a growing global appetite for space exploration and technology leadership.
