UNC graduate to command SpaceX mission to ISS

NASA announced that Zena Cardman, a UNC graduate, will lead an upcoming SpaceX mission to the ISS.

UNC graduate chosen as commander for SpaceX ISS mission

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration revealed that Zena Cardman, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will serve as commander for the upcoming Crew 11 mission to the International Space Station. Scheduled for late July or early August, this mission will also include NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Cardman was initially set to join the ISS as part of Crew 9 but was reassigned due to a crew change. The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched by a Falcon 9 rocket.

Zena Cardman's selection marks a significant achievement not only for her career but also for the representation of graduates from public universities in high-stakes space missions. As space travel evolves, NASA's focus on diverse and skilled candidates shows its commitment to inclusivity. This mission may inspire future generations of space enthusiasts and provide momentum toward increased interest in STEM fields across broader demographics.

Highlights

As missions to the ISS continue, Cardman's journey may inspire many young scholars.