SpaceX astronaut missions for NASA: Crew-5 updates

SpaceX Dragon will likely be ‘lifeboat’ if ISS crew requires it

A SpaceX Dragon capsule was modded this week to incorporate an additional astronaut seat. On Wednesday (Jan. 18), NASA began shifting company astronaut Frank Rubio’s seat liner from a Russian Soyuz spacecraft over to Endurance, the Dragon spacecraft that is flying SpaceX‘s ongoing Crew-5 mission for NASA.

The in-orbit adjustments to the International Space Station spacecraft had been made within the wake of Soyuz shedding its coolant last month following an obvious particles or micrometeoroid strike. 

Learn extra: SpaceX Dragon capsule to be 5-person ‘lifeboat’ in event of ISS emergency

SpaceX plans to construct fifth and closing Crew Dragon for ISS missions

SpaceX plans to provide a fifth (and closing) Crew Dragon for International Space Station astronaut missions “within the 2024 timeframe”, officers stated throughout a telephone name final month forward of the profitable launch and docking of a cargo Dragon spacecraft in late November.

In September, NASA requested several more commercial crew missions from SpaceX, which Sarah Walker, director of Dragon mission administration at SpaceX, known as an “thrilling industrial human spaceflight manifest” in a Nov. 18 briefing with reporters.

Some SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft are getting used for personal trade, together with a November announcement that may see two Saudi astronauts go to the ISS aboard Axiom Space missions.

Crew-5 astronauts play baseball in house station to rejoice World Collection

Crew-5 stepped as much as the plate on the International Space Station to rejoice Sport 1 of the World Collection, which is seeing the NASA Johnson Area Heart hometown crew (the Houston Astros) dealing with off towards the Philadelphia Phillies.

“We’re tremendous excited to observe the World Collection come again to Area Metropolis,” NASA astronaut Josh Cassada says within the Oct. 29 video posted by Major League Baseball’s Twitter (opens in new tab) account, which briefly highlights the house station’s function in making ready for future moon and Mars missions.

Learn extra: ‘Play ball!’ Space station astronauts celebrate World Series with an orbital pitch

Returned SpaceX Crew-4 astronauts have house station concepts

The SpaceX Crew-4 cohort of 4 astronauts, who returned to Earth on Oct. 14, have some nice concepts for house station design after their latest mission on the International Space Station (ISS).

“I feel we have to actually begin pondering out of the field on a number of these items. However at first, if we’ll do human exploration, you bought to place the ‘human’ within the equation,” stated Crew-4 pilot and NASA astronaut Bob Farmer in a press conference Thursday (Oct. 20).

Learn extra: Rooms with a view: Astronauts have design ideas for new space stations

‘Watty burgers’ and cosplay solid Crew-4’s teamwork in orbit

Shut teamwork is crucial on the Worldwide Area Station, and the Crew-4 astronauts shared two methods for forging that in a post-flight press convention Thursday (Oct. 20): meals and cosplay.

Crew-4 mission specialist Jessica Watkins invented a particular “Watty burger” so scrumptious that her spacecraft commander, Kjell Lindgren, created meals challenges in orbit. “I turned infamous for placing extra meals right into a tortilla than was in all probability clever, or doable,” Lindgren recalled. “One night time, Bob [Farmer, a NASA astronaut] was witness to a triple-decker — I put an additional facet in there — and he claimed I unhinged my jaw to have the ability to eat.”

In the meantime, Crew-4 astronaut and Expedition 67 commander Samantha Cristoforetti discovered herself in a thrift retailer on a spare time quest to duplicate an iconic scene from the 1968 film “2001: A Area Odyssey.” “That’s not one thing that I might purchase for myself, usually,” she stated, “however it appeared to suit completely for that want.”

Learn extra: This space station astronaut’s ‘2001’ cosplay in orbit began with Velcro and thrift store duds (video)

Crew-4 astronauts out of spacecraft as restoration concludes

The Crew-4 astronauts are all out of their SpaceX spacecraft as they begin restoration again on Earth: NASA’s Kjell Lindgren, Bob Hines and Jessica Watkins together with the European Area Company’s Samantha Cristoforetti. You may learn extra in regards to the profitable International Space Station mission, which lasted 5.5 months, in our wrap story on the mission.

Crew-4 splashes down

The SpaceX Crew-4 splashed down efficiently close to Jacksonville, Florida at 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT). 

Crew-4 jettisons trunk efficiently

The SpaceX Crew-4 has jettisoned the “trunk”, an unpressurized cargo maintain that additionally helps Crew Dragon throughout house operations. The International Space Station crew of 4 stays on observe for splashdown close to Jacksonville, Florida at 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT). You may watch live at Area.com, courtesy of NASA Tv.

Crew-4 finishes ‘prop waste’ burn on journey dwelling

SpaceX‘s Crew-4 efficiently completed a traditional “prop waste” burn on the journey dwelling to do away with extra propellant forward of re-entry. They completed the seven-minute engine burn at 2:44 p.m. EDT (1844 GMT) and stay on observe to splash down close to Jacksonville, Florida at 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT).

SpaceX’s Crew-4 nonetheless on course for 4:55 pm ET splashdown

The SpaceX Crew-4 Dragon capsule Freedom carried out its third deorbit burn on schedule immediately (Oct. 14) at 1:45 p.m. EDT (1745 GMT), conserving the car on course for a splashdown off the coast of Jacksonville at round 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT).

Freedom will are available in for that touchdown from the northwest and could also be seen within the skies above stretches of the Midwest and Southeast within the minutes earlier than splashdown, according to NASA (opens in new tab). 

Crew-4 undocks from Worldwide Area Station

The SpaceX Crew-4 undocked from the International Space Station at 12:05 p.m. EDT (1605 GMT) and ready for a set of departure burns forward of splashdown. Nominal splashdown is anticipated later immediately round 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT) close to Jacksonville, Florida. You may watch live right here at Area.com, courtesy of NASA Tv or read our departure story.

Crew-4 delays undocking to 12:05 p.m. EDT

Crew-4 will delay their undocking from the International Space Station about Half-hour to 12:05 p.m. EDT (1605 GMT) to “verify the hatch alignment” on their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, in keeping with NASA Tv.

NASA has not but disclosed if the splashdown time will change, besides to say there’s a one-hour window for undocking and the timing now falls in the midst of that window. Splashdown is anticipated at roughly 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT). Live coverage is ongoing right here at Area.com, courtesy of NASA Tv.

Crew-4 closes hatch to Worldwide Area Station

SpaceX Crew-4 has closed the hatch to the International Space Station forward of an anticipated undocking at 11:35 a.m. EDT (1535 GMT) for splashdown later immediately. Watch live here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA Tv.

Crew-4 hatch closing set for 9:30 a.m. EDT

Crew-4 plans to shut the hatch to its SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft at 9:30 a.m. EDT (1330 GMT) forward of departing the International Space Station. You may watch live right here at Area.com, courtesy of NASA Tv.

Crew-4 delays undocking once more to Friday (Oct. 14)

Crew-4’s undocking from the International Space Station will likely be delayed to no sooner than Friday (Oct. 14) at 11:35 a.m. EDT (1535 GMT), officers introduced on NASA Tv immediately (Oct. 13).

That is the second waveoff of undocking attributable to poor climate circumstances in Florida, following one other on Wednesday (Oct. 12). Splashdown can also be delayed from an anticipated timing of immediately. 

You may watch the occasions live here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA Tv.

Crew-4 splashdown delayed attributable to climate

SpaceX Crew-4’s Dragon capsule, Freedom, is scheduled to undock from the orbiting lab Thursday at 10:05 a.m. EDT (1405 GMT), NASA officers stated in a blog post (opens in new tab) Wednesday (Oct. 13). This can be a delay from Wednesday night attributable to climate.

“Mission groups proceed to observe a chilly entrance passing over Florida with the potential to deliver excessive winds and wet climate close to the splashdown zones off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts,” company officers said within the weblog submit. “Mission groups will proceed to observe splashdown and restoration circumstances, with one other climate evaluate round six hours previous to undocking.”

You may watch it live right here at Area.com, courtesy of NASA, or directly via the space agency (opens in new tab).

Crew-4 provides farewell remarks earlier than departing ISS immediately

At 10:05 a.m. EDT (1405 GMT), the 4 Crew-4 astronauts will give some farewell remarks. European Area Company astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who’s the present ISS commander — will switch command to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev at the moment.

Crew-4’s Dragon capsule, Freedom, is about to undock from the house station Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. EDT (2305 GMT), NASA officers stated in an emailed assertion on Tuesday night (Oct. 11). You may watch it stay right here at Area.com, courtesy of NASA, or directly via the space agency.

Learn extra: Watch SpaceX Crew-4 mission depart space station today (Oct. 12)

Crew-5 astronauts enter the ISS

The Crew-5 astronauts at the moment are aboard the Worldwide Area Station. The 4 spaceflyers reached the orbiting lab aboard the SpaceX Dragon Endurance at 5:01 p.m. EDT (2101 GMT). Practically two hours later, the astronauts floated from Endurance to the ISS, starting a five-month keep on the station. Learn our Crew-5 docking story.

Crew-5 Dragon docks with house station

SpaceX’s Crew-5 mission has made it to the Worldwide Area Station. The Crew-5 Dragon capsule, named Endurance, made contact with the orbiting lab immediately (Oct. 6) at 5:01 p.m. EDT (2101 GMT) and wrapped up its docking operations about 10 minutes later. 

The 4 Crew-5 astronauts are scheduled to enter the station at 6:42 p.m. EDT (2242 GMT). Watch that milestone, in addition to a welcome ceremony at 8:05 p.m. EDT (0005 GMT on Oct. 7), stay right here at Area.com.

Learn extra: SpaceX’s Crew-5 astronaut mission arrives at the International Space Station

It is Docking Day for Crew-5 astronauts

The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-5 mission to the Worldwide Area Station will spend the primary full day of their mission in house immediately, and it is a huge one.

Picture Gallery: SpaceX’s Crew-5 astronaut launch in amazing images

The Crew-5 Dragon capsule Endurance is because of dock on the Worldwide Area Station immediately at 4:57 p.m. EDT (2057 GMT) to ferry NASA astronauts Nicole Mann, Josh Cassada, astronaut Soichi Wakata of Japan and cosmonaut Anna Kikina of Russia to the station. 

NASA TV is offering steady protection of the Crew-5 mission to the house station and you’ll watch that on our Crew-5 webcast page. 

You will seemingly wish to tune it at the least an hour earlier than docking to see views of the Dragon capsule on strategy to the house station. 

After docking, NASA will present stay coverageof the hatches opening between Dragon and the house station (that is scheduled for 6:42 p.m. EDT/2242 GMT) after which a welcome ceremony of each Crew-5 and ISS crews at 8:05 p.m. EDT (0005 GMT). 

SpaceX Crew-5 astronauts in good condition after launch

NASA, SpaceX and their worldwide companions from Japan and Russian hailed immediately’s successful launch of four astronauts on the Crew-5 mission in a post-flight crew convention. Try some amazing photos of the SpaceX Crew-5 launch from immediately.

Sergei Krikalev, the famed cosmonaut who oversees Roscosmos‘ cosmonaut corps, known as the launch the beginning of a “new part” of worldwide cooperation that dates again to the Apollo-Soyuz mission of 1975. 

“We simply proceed what was began a few years in the past in 1975 when the Apollo-Soyuz crew flew and went collectively,” Krikalev stated. 

SpaceX’s  Sarah Walker, director Dragon mission administration, stated that the corporate has now launched 30 folks into house with Crew-5, a serious milestone for the corporate’s human spaceflight program.

NASA, SpaceX Crew-5 submit launch press convention now

NASA and SpaceX are holding a press convention at 1:30 pm ET (1730 GMT) to debate immediately’s profitable launch to the Worldwide Area Station.

You can watch it live at our Crew-5 livestream page.

SpaceX Crew-5 Endurance Capsule en path to ISS

SpaceX’s Crew-5 Dragon Endurance has begun its journey to the Worldwide Area Station after a clean launch from Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida. Read our full Crew-5 launch story.

Crew-5 astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, each of NASA, and Soichi Wakata of Japan and Anna Kikina of Russia bought the “go” to take away the SpaceX-issue house fits they work for launch as they start the 35-hour journey to the Worldwide Area Station. 

Inside Endurance, a small Albert Einstein doll is floating round because the zero gravity indicator for the crew to honor Einstein’s “happiest thought.” 

“That thought was ‘an individual in freefall would not really feel their very own weight,'” Cassada, Crew-5’s pilot, stated throughout a livestream broadcast from house. “That thought, together with some others that he constructed upon, led to general relativity and our understanding of gravitation and the curvature of space-time.”

We’re experiencing Einstein’s happiest thought repeatedly because the International Space Station has been doing repeatedly for over20 years. On Crew-5, we name this little man our freefall indicator. We’re right here to let you know there’s loads of gravity up right here, in actual fact that is what’s conserving us in orbit proper now and stopping journey on the Crew Dragon from being a one-way journey.” 

Cassada then waxed a bit poetically.  

“Just a little bit like life, we stay in the identical world, we stay in the identical universe. Typically we expertise it in a really completely different approach from our neighbors,” he stated. “If we will all maintain that in thoughts, hopefully we will all proceed to do completely superb issues, and do it collectively.”

Crew-5 thanks floor groups for protected arrival in house

The person members of Crew-5 thanked their floor assist groups, of their respective languages, for his or her protected arrival in house as they make their approach to the International Space Station. The NASA-led mission flew into orbit efficiently aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT).

“Thanks a lot to the Falcon crew. That was a clean journey up right here,” NASA astronaut and spacecraft commander Nicole Mann, the primary Native American woman in space, stated in her feedback. Additionally delivering thanks had been NASA’s Josh Cassada, Russia’s Anna Kikina (in Russian) and Japan’s Koichi Wakata (in Japanese.)

SpaceX Falcon 9 first stage lands upon drone ship

SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 rocket landed safely upon a drone ship within the Atlantic Ocean as Crew-5 completed a traditional orbit insertion in house.

Crew Dragon stays on its approach to the International Space Station, sending the primary Native American lady (NASA astronaut Nicole Mann) to house together with crewmates Josh Cassada (NASA), Koichi Wakata (Japan) and Anna Kikina (Roscosmos).

First stage separation full on Crew-5

Crew-5 completed its first stage separation on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 on its approach to the  International Space Station, after sending the primary Native American lady in direction of house at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT).

On board are two NASA astronauts (Native American Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada), a Russian cosmonaut (Anna Kikina) and a Japanese astronaut (Koichi Wakata). 

Liftoff of Crew-5

Crew-5 is on its approach to the International Space Station, sending the primary Native American lady in direction of house at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT).

A SpaceX Crew Dragon, using on a Falcon 9, soared off Launch Pad 39A from NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida after a near-flawless countdown. 

On board are two NASA astronauts (Native American Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada), a Russian cosmonaut (Anna Kikina) and a Japanese astronaut (Koichi Wakata). They are going to spend half a yr in house.

Kikina is the primary Russian cosmonaut to fly on a industrial spacecraft, and the primary Russian on board any U.S. spacecraft since 2002.

Crew-5 thanks assist crew earlier than launch

Crew-5 NASA astronaut Nicole Mann despatched a thank-you message to assist groups and household about seven minutes forward of their anticipated launch to the International Space Station at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT).

“A particular thanks on behalf of all of the crew to our household and associates,” stated Mann, who would be the first Native American lady in house. “It’s your love and assist that helps make desires come true. Now let’s do that.”

T-10 minutes to launch

Every little thing stays go for Crew-5 to launch at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) to the International Space Station at about T-10 minutes.

The mission will ship two NASA astronauts (Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada), a Russian cosmonaut (Anna Kikina) and a Japanese astronaut (Koichi Wakata) into house for six months, lifting off on a SpaceX Crew Dragon.

Mann would be the first Native American woman in house and Kikina the primary Russian cosmonaut on board a industrial spacecraft. Kikina can also be the primary Russian on any U.S. spacecraft since 2002.

T-Quarter-hour to Crew-5 launch

Crew-5 is about T-Quarter-hour from launch at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) to the International Space Station. 

If all goes to plan, a SpaceX Crew Dragon will bear two NASA astronauts (Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada), a Russian cosmonaut (Anna Kikina) and a Japanese astronaut (Koichi Wakata) into house for a half-year mission. Mann would be the first Native American woman in house and Kikina the primary Russian cosmonaut on board a industrial spacecraft.

Launch groups are topping up the Falcon 9 rocket’s gasoline and there stay no main points for climate or technical causes.

T-Half-hour to launch

Crew-5 is about T-Half-hour from launch at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) to the International Space Station. The forecast for climate stays wonderful and there are not any technical points to this point in the course of the countdown.

‘Go’ for crew entry arm to retract

Launch controllers monitoring the Crew-5 NASA launch, performed by SpaceX, simply gave the “go” to retract the crew entry arm to the Falcon 9 rocket set to bear 4 folks to the International Space Station and the arm is shifting away as deliberate.

Launch stays set for 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) with no main climate or technical points being tracked.

SpaceX closeout crew leaves crew entry arm to Falcon 9 rocket

The SpaceX closeout crew has simply left the crew entry arm that enables servicing of the Falcon 9 rocket, which suggests Crew-5 is one step nearer to its scheduled launch immediately to the International Space Station. Launch time stays set for 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) with no main technical or climate points to this point.

SpaceX spacecraft hatch closed

Following elimination of a small hair briefly interfering with the spacecraft seal, the hatch has been closed on the SpaceX spacecraft and security checks are ongoing. Crew-5 is readying for his or her launch to the International Space Station, which to this point stays on observe. 

NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, together with Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata and Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina, are set to enter house at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT).

All spacesuit pressures verified for launch

NASA astronaut Josh Cassada’s spacesuit has simply been cleared for the launch to proceed. The launch stays on time for an anticipated 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) liftoff to the International Space Station.

Spacesuit strain verification ongoing

NASA and SpaceX are analyzing NASA astronaut Josh Cassada’s spacesuit strain, which is a bit decrease than regular. His zippers and umbilical have been verified as nominal and Cassada is doing one other verify whereas seated within the SpaceX spacecraft.

Crew-5 begins going into SpaceX Crew Dragon

The 4 members of Crew-5 are beginning to enter the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, in keeping with NASA Tv. 

Crew-5 members react to SpaceX rocket

Two Crew-5 members, rising from their Teslas, craned their necks and backs as much as gaze on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. If all goes to plan, at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) the rocket ought to blast off from NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart’s Launch Pad 39A to fly to the International Space Station.

Crew-5 arrives at launch pad

After a procession from the center of NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart, Crew-5 has arrived at Launch Pad 39A for his or her scheduled launch to the International Space Station. The crew is anticipated to carry off at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT). Protection continues right here at Area.com and stay on NASA Tv.

Crew-5 performs walkout

The members of Crew-5 have simply carried out the normal walkout on the NASA Kennedy Area Heart in Florida on their approach to the launch pad. As proven on NASA Tv, they emerged in entrance of a crowd of well-wishers and climbed right into a Tesla to drive to the pad. 

Scheduled to fly into house immediately are NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata.

Protection begins on NASA Tv

Protection regarding Crew-5’s launch has simply begun live on NASA Television (opens in new tab). Launch is slated for 12 p.m. EDT.

SpaceX will ship 4 folks to the International Space Station (ISS), together with the primary Native American lady in space and the primary Russian cosmonaut on a industrial spacecraft. 

Crew members embody NASA astronauts Nicole Mann (who will develop into the first Native American woman in space as a member of the Wailacki of the Spherical Valley Indian Tribes in northern California) and Josh Cassada, together with Japan Aerospace Exploration Company (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina.

Updates can be found right here at Area.com, through NASA Tv, and updates are additionally flowing on the NASA web site, app and social media.

Learn extra: How to watch SpaceX launch the Crew-5 astronaut mission for NASA today online 

It is Launch Day for Crew-5!

It is launch day for NASA’s Crew-5 astronauts as they put together to journey a SpaceX rocket to the Worldwide Area Station. 

Crew-5 commander Nicole Mann and pilot Josh Cassada, each NASA astronauts, will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) from Pad 39A of the Kennedy Area Heart in Cape Canaveral, Florida. They are going to be flying alongside Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Anna Kikina of Russia’s house company Roscosmos. Kikina is the primary Russian cosmonaut to fly on Dragon. 

NASA’s livestream coverage of the Crew-5 launch will start at 8:30 a.m. EDT (1230 GMT) from Pad 39A of the Kennedy Area Heart. Be part of us then!

NASA, SpaceX ‘Go’ for Crew-5 launch

NASA and SpaceX are urgent forward with plans to launch the Crew-5 astronaut crew to the Worldwide Area Station regardless of three open points for the launch crew. 

SpaceX and NASA gave the official “GO” for launch on Monday night time throughout a Launch Readiness Assessment assembly. You can read our full story on that call from spaceflight editor Mike Wall. SpaceX rolled the Crew-5 Falcon 9 rocket to the launch pad over the weekend. Check out some of amazing photos from that event.

SpaceX is working three points that have to be resolved for launch:

• A thrust vector management actuator on one of many Crew-5 Falcon 9 rocket’s 9 first-stange Merlin engines. It ought to be changed by immediately. 
• A communications concern affecting the drone ship Simply Learn The Directions affecting its station-keeping means for the Falcon 9 booster’s first stage touchdown. 
• A leak in a transportable fireplace extinguisher on the Dragon capsule, which will likely be mounted with substitute elements. 

SpaceX is assured it will likely be capable of handle all three open points in time for launch. In the meantime, the corporate is planning to launch two different missions, a Starlink flight from Vandenberg Area Pressure Base in California on Oct. 4, which is able to solely carry off if the Crew-5 mission is delayed for some cause, and two telecom satellites from Florida on a distinct Falcon 9 rocket.

SpaceX and NASA push again Worldwide Area Station launch

SpaceX and NASA plan to delay the Crew-5 flight to the Worldwide Area Station by at the least a day to Oct. 4.

“Mission groups will proceed to observe the impacts of Ian on the Area Coast and NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida and will alter the launch date once more, as needed,” NASA officers wrote in an update (opens in new tab) Tuesday (Sept. 27).

Hurricane Ian, which can be ‘catastrophic’ to Florida as some officers termed it, has made landfall in Florida and should severely have an effect on forthcoming operations on the Kennedy Area Heart even after the hurricane goes by way of.

Learn extra: Hurricane Ian delays SpaceX’s Crew-5 astronaut launch to Oct. 4

Russian cosmonaut prepares for first SpaceX mission

Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina would be the first to sit down aboard a SpaceX spacecraft. Kikina and three astronauts will launch to the International Space Station no prior to Oct. 3 for the NASA Crew-5 mission. The group will likely be in search of to indicate ISS house science can proceed to hold on as regular amid the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Learn extra: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 astronauts ready for historic mission

SpaceX seemingly lead supplier for two new ISS personal missions

With SpaceX the one firm to this point allowed by NASA to deliver folks to the International Space Station (ISS), it’s seemingly within the lead to supply launch companies for 2 new personal missions. 

NASA stated Wednesday (Sept. 14) that it has requested personal trade for proposals for 2 personal ISS missions to run between late 2023 and 2024. SpaceX already has expertise in offering such companies, as its Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft despatched the primary all-private Axiom Space mission, known as Ax-1, to the orbiting complicated earlier this yr.

Full story: NASA requests 2 new private astronaut missions to International Space Station

SpaceX receives 5 mission orders from NASA

SpaceX with ship 5 extra astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS) beneath a brand new $1.4 billion deal, which modifies an present settlement between the 2 organizations.

The deal covers Crews-10 by way of Crew-14 and can use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rockets. NASA said the contract “permits NASA to keep up an uninterrupted U.S. functionality for human entry to the house station till 2030.”

Learn extra: NASA awards SpaceX $1.4 billion for 5 more astronaut missions

SpaceX, NASA delay Crew-5 launch to keep away from visitors jam

SpaceX and NASA plan to delay the following astronaut launch by 4 days, to no sooner than Oct. 3. The Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station was delayed from an preliminary goal of Sept. 29.

“The date adjustment permits for further separation with spacecraft visitors coming to and from the house station,” company officers stated within the transient replace, NASA announced in an update today (opens in new tab) (Aug. 25). The company didn’t present extra particulars about their issues relating to the visitors jam.

Learn extra: SpaceX’s next astronaut launch for NASA delayed to Oct. 3

SpaceX examines doable particles, addresses Crew-5 rocket injury

A SpaceX crew is on the way in which to Australia to investigate possible space junk related to a cargo “trunk” that indifferent from the Crew-1 spacecraft, burning up in the atmosphere July 8.

“We did get experiences of particles from a trunk,” Benjamin Reed, senior director of SpaceX’s human spaceflight program, advised reporters throughout a livestreamed NASA Crew-5 press briefing Thursday (Aug. 4). 

He emphasised that SpaceX labored intently with NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration earlier than the Crew-1 mission to reduce Crew Dragon particles, and that if the charred {hardware} is certainly SpaceX’s, it got here down precisely the place predicted.

SpaceX can also be working to address minor damage to the Crew-5 Falcon 9 first-stage booster, which got here involved with a bridge throughout transport. Reed stated SpaceX is dedicated to creating the fixes to deal with NASA’s rigorous security necessities. The injury delayed the launch till September.

Potential SpaceX Crew-1 particles noticed in Australia

Charred materials, presumably a remnant from a SpaceX spacecraft, was found in a sheep paddock close to Dalgety, Australia. Witnesses within the area heard a “bang” July 9 native time. Weeks later, two area farmers got here throughout giant and unfamiliar items of {hardware} on their giant properties.

SpaceX has not but confirmed if the piece was part of its Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft that splashed down successfully on Might 2, 2021. That stated, two house particles trackers counsel it was certainly from that mission, on condition that Dalgety was beneath the projected re-entry pathway of an unpressurized “trunk” piece of Dragon, jettisoned earlier than re-entry.

Learn extra: Possible SpaceX debris falls in Australia from Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft

United Arab Emirates astronaut joins Crew-6

UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi was introduced Monday (July 25) because the fourth crew member of SpaceX’s Crew-6 mission, which is anticipated to launch in 2023. AlNeyadi would be the first astronaut from an Arab nation to conduct a long-duration mission on the International Space Station. His seat was organized by way of a beforehand disclosed agreement with Axiom Space.

AlNeyadi will be part of NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, who will function spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively, aboard Crew-6. A Roscosmos cosmonaut, Andrei Fedyaev, joined the crew this month following a seat swap deal between Russia’s federal house company and NASA to fly cosmonauts aboard personal American automobiles, in trade for U.S. Soyuz seats.

Learn extra in our story about AlNeyadi’s assignment.

Crew-3 splashes down safely

SpaceX’s Crew-3 astronaut mission returned to Earth after practically six months in orbit early Friday morning (Might 6), splashing down within the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast proper on schedule at 12:43 a.m. EDT (0443 GMT). Learn our story here.

SpaceX Crew-3 Dragon Endurance headed dwelling

SpaceX’s Crew-Dragon Endurance is headed again to Earth to return 4 astronauts dwelling from the Worldwide Area Station for NASA and the European Area Company. 

The Dragon Endurance capsule undocked from the space station today, Might 5, at 1:20 a.m. EDT (0520 GMT) to start a day-long journey dwelling. The spacecraft is anticipated to splash down within the Gulf of Mexico, simply off the Florida coast, at 12:43 a.m. EDT (0443 GMT). 

Endurance is returning SpaceX’s Crew-3 astronaut mission for NASA again to Earth. The mission, which launched in November 2021, ferried NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Area Company astronaut Matthias Maurer to the station for a six-month journey. 

You may watch the SpaceX Crew-3 landing live online, courtesy of NASA TV. NASA is offering stay protection by way of the touchdown now.

Crew-4 astronauts enter ISS

The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission to the Worldwide Area Station have entered the orbiting laboratory, ending their 15-hour journey to the orbiting lab. 

Crew-4 commander Kjell Lindgren, pilot Bob Hines and mission specialists Jessica Watkins (all NASA astronauts) and Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Area Company floated contained in the station’s Concord module simply after 9 p.m. EDT (0100 GMT April 28), the place they had been welcomed with huge hugs from the station’s Crew-3 astronaut crew. 

There at the moment are 11 folks residing aboard the house station. NASA postponed the normal welcome ceremony for the Crew-4 astronauts because the station’s Russian crew is at present asleep, resting forward of a deliberate spacewalk on Thursday (April 28). 

NASA will maintain a belated welcome ceremony at 2:40 a.m. EDT (0640 GMT) on Thursday as soon as the cosmonauts awake for the spacewalk day.

That may wrap up Area.com’s Crew-4 launch and docking protection. Thanks for becoming a member of us. This stay weblog will resume with the following SpaceX Crew Dragon mission occasion, the Crew-3 undocking, which is scheduled for Might 4.

Docking! SpaceX Crew-4 astronauts attain ISS

SpaceX’s Crew-4 astronaut mission has arrived on the Worldwide Area Station. 

The Crew-4 mission’s Crew Dragon Freedom docked on the house station’s Concord module at 7:37 p.m. EDT (2337 GMT), practically 40 minutes sooner than anticipated, as each spacecraft sailed 261 miles over the central Pacific Ocean. 

A collection of hooks and latches will safe the Freedom capsule to the station whereas the Crew-4 astronauts put together to doff their SpaceX strain fits and enter the station. Hatch opening is anticipated to happen at 9 p.m. EDT (0100 GMT April 28). 

In  the meantime, NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn contained in the house station will work to pressurize a vestibule between the 2 spacecraft. After some leak checks, the hatches between Freedom and the Worldwide Area Station will likely be opened, ending the 15.5-hour journey to the station for the Crew-4 mission. 

The Crew-4 astronauts embody commander Kjell Lindgren, pilot Bob Hines and mission specialist Jessica Watkins (all of NASA), in addition to mission specialist Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Area Company. They’re starting a six-month mission to the orbiting lab. 

Docking prior to anticipated

After their profitable launch this morning (April 27), the astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission will dock with the Worldwide Area Station sooner than anticipated. 

Operating forward of schedule, the crew’s Dragon capsule, named Freedom, will now dock with the orbiting lab at 7:30 p.m. EDT (1130 GMT) tonight.

“@NASA TV is offering stay protection of the @SpaceX #Crew4 mission to the house station. Dragon Freedom is at present forward of schedule for a docking at 7:30pm ET immediately,” the Worldwide Area Station Twitter account shared.

Crew-4 astronauts in orbit

The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission for NASA are efficiently in orbit and adapting to life in house. The astronauts are on a 16-hour journey to the Worldwide Area Station.

Crew-4 is commanded by NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren with crewmate Bob Hines as pilot. NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins and European Area Company astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti are mission specialists for the flight.

The astronauts are anticipated to dock on the house station tonight at 8:15 p.m. EDT (0015 GMT on April 28), with hatch opening set for 9:45 p.m. EDT (0145 GMT). 

Landing: Crew-4 SpaceX Falcon 9 lands safely

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket first stage has efficiently landed on its drone ship within the Atlantic Ocean to finish its profitable launch of the Crew-4 astronauts. 

In the meantime, the Crew Dragon Freedom efficiently separated from its Falcon 9 higher stage to mark its arrival in orbit. It is nostril cone is deploying to clear its docking port for the arrival on the Worldwide Area Station in 16 hours. 

Falcon 9 first stage reentry burn full

SpaceX’s Crew-4 Falcon 9 rocket booster has carried out an entry burn to sluggish itself for its return to Earth. 

A closing touchdown burn is developing forward of touchdown, which is able to mark this booster’s fourth touchdown for SpaceX.

Liftoff! SpaceX launches Crew-4 astronauts to house station

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has launched towards orbit carrying the Crew-4 astronauts. 

The primary stage efficiently shut down and separated from the higher stage shortly after liftoff and is now returning to Earth for a touchdown. 

The higher stage continues on a nominal trajectory towards orbit. 

‘Let’s let Dragon roar and Freedom ring,’ astronauts say

SpaceX and the Crew-4 astronauts simply shared a closing message earlier than immediately’s launch.  You can watch it launch live here.

“We’re honored to have you ever aboard Dragon capsule Freedom immediately. It has been a privilege working collectively to organize for this launch to the Worldwide Area Station,” SpaceX’s mission management radioed the crew. “We want you a terrific mission. Good luck, Godspeed. Time to let Freedom fly.”

“Copy, SpaceX. We might prefer to take this chance to thank our worldwide associate groups and households for attending to the brink of this superb alternative to launch to the Worldwide Area Station,” Crew-4 commander Kjell Lindgren radioed again. “A heartfelt thanks to each considered one of us that made this doable. Now let’s let Dragon roar and Freedom ring.”

SpaceX now fueling 2nd stage of Falcon 9 rocket

SpaceX’s fueling operations for the Crew-4 Falcon 9 rocket is constant, with the corporate now loading propellant into the second stage of the booster. 

Not like the Falcon 9’s first stage, which is able to return to Earth for a deliberate touchdown, the second stage is disposable and will likely be discarded after delivering the Crew Dragon Freedom into orbit. 

Fueling for each the primary and second phases ought to full at T-2 minutes to launch.

SpaceX fuels Falcon 9 rocket for Crew-4 launch

SpaceX has begun fueling the Falcon 9 rocket for immediately’s Crew-4 astronaut launch to the Worldwide Area Station. 

Fueling started on the T-34 minute mark as SpaceX started loading the Falcon 9 with the liquid oxygen and RP-1 rocket-grade kerosene for immediately’s launch. 

SpaceX has activated the launch escape system on the Crew Dragon Freedom. That system is designed to make use of a set of eight SuperDraco engines to drag the capsule freed from its Falcon 9 booster if wanted within the case of a launch emergency. 

T-1 hour to launch for Crew-4 astronauts

NASA and SpaceX at the moment are lower than one hour away from this morning’s launch of the Crew-4 astronauts to the Worldwide Area Station and all methods proceed to be inexperienced for an on-time liftoff at 3:52 a.m. EDT (0752 GMT) from Pad 39A on the Kennedy Area Heart in Florida. 

Crew-4 astronauts Kjell Lindgren, Bob Hines, Jessica Watkins (all of NASA) and European Area Company astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti are strapped inside their Crew Dragon Freedom awaiting launch. Climate, the spacecraft and its Falcon 9 rocket are all in good condition for launch. 

Within the subsequent hour, SpaceX will proceed with closing gasoline loading of the Falcon 9 rocket to gear up for the launch and 16-hour flight to the house station. 

NASA has launched some new photos of the crew’s walkout to the launch pad earlier in immediately’s countdown. Examine them out above. 

Dragon Freedom’s hatch closed forward of Crew-4 launch

The facet hatch of Freedom, the SpaceX Dragon capsule for Crew-4, was closed about an hour and 45 minutes earlier than the mission’s deliberate liftoff on April 27, 2022. Technicians then examined the seal across the hatch, to ensure it would not leak in house.

Crew-4 astronauts have entered their Dragon

The 4 Crew-4 astronauts entered their Dragon capsule, which they named Freedom, about 2 hours and 40 minutes earlier than their deliberate liftoff within the early morning hours of April 27, 2022. 

Crew-4 astronauts are on the launch pad

The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission have arrived at Kennedy Area Heart’s Launch Pad 39A forward of their liftoff at 3:52 a.m. EDT (0752 GMT). All 4 paused to lookup at their Falcon 9 rocket journey earlier than entering into the elevator that took them up the launch tower towards their Dragon capsule.

Stroll out full: Crew-4 astronauts are headed to the launch pad

The Crew-4 astronauts on their approach to the launch pad. The 4 spaceflyers walked out of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Constructing at NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart (KSC) at about 12:30 a.m. EDT (0430 GMT). They headed exterior and, after saying goodbye to their family members, bought contained in the three Teslas that may drive them to KSC’s Launch Complicated 39A.

Climate 90% go for Crew-4 liftoff

Forecasts point out a 90% likelihood of climate favorable sufficient to permit for the launch of SpaceX’s Crew-4 astronaut mission for NASA early Wednesday morning (April 27), company officers stated. The liftoff is scheduled to happen at 3:52 a.m. EDT (0752 GMT) from NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida.

“The first climate issues are cumulus cloud and flight by way of precipitation guidelines,” NASA officers wrote in an replace late Tuesday night time (April 26). “Groups additionally proceed to observe the climate circumstances alongside in Crew Dragon’s flight path, which is anticipated to be favorable for launch.”

SpaceX Crew-4 launch GO for April 27 liftoff

NASA and SpaceX have given the “go” to launch the Crew-4 astronauts to the Worldwide Area Station early Wednesday, April 27, at 3:52 a.m. EDT (0752 GMT). 

SpaceX and NASA signed off on the mission late Monday night time after a closing flight readiness evaluate mission. 

NASA’s launch webcast will start tonight at 12 a.m. EDT (0400 GMT), main as much as the Crew-4 launch. You can watch that live on Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV and SpaceX.

Crew-4 launch delayed to April 26 on the earliest

SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission to the Worldwide Area Station will now launch no sooner than Tuesday (April 26), due to delays within the departure of the personal Ax-1 astronaut mission from the orbiting lab. Read our full story.

Crew-4 static fireplace check

The SpaceX Crew-4 mission accomplished the essential static fireplace check of its Falcon 9 rocket forward of the mission’s launch, which is deliberate for April 23, 2022, SpaceX revealed on Twitter today (April 20). 

Throughout a static fireplace check, a rocket’s engines are ignited whereas it’s stationary, testing how the engines will carry out throughout launch previous to the precise launch itself. 

Crew-4 rolls out, accomplished gown rehearsal

On April 23, 2022, SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission is about to launch with a crew of 4 astronauts to the Worldwide Area Station. 

Yesterday (April 19), the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a brand new Crew Dragon capsule named Freedom atop had been rolled out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida forward of the launch. They’re now vertical on the pad, NASA revealed in a new blog post (opens in new tab).

Moreover, in a single day final night time, the Crew-4 astronauts performed a countdown gown rehearsal, going by way of the occasions anticipated for the launch day.

The crew, who’re set to spend roughly six months residing and dealing aboard the orbiting lab, consists of NASA astronauts and mission commander Kjell Lindgren, pilot Robert Hines and mission specialists Jessica Watkins and Samantha Cristoforetti (of the European Area Company). 

This would be the second spaceflight for each Lindgren and Cristoforetti and the primary flight for Hines and Watkins, who would be the first Black lady to stay and work on the station.

Crew-3 watches a Russian spacewalk!

Worldwide Area Station commander and Crew-3 NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn shared an unbelievable view of the solar setting on Earth behind two cosmonauts on a spacewalk.

Yesterday (April 18), Russian cosmonauts Oleg Artemyev and Denis Matveev carried out a spacewalk to put in a management panel for a brand new European robotic arm on the orbiting lab. As Marshburn’s photograph reveals, the astronauts contained in the station had been capable of see the cosmonauts as they labored. 

“Yesterday there was a spacewalk simply exterior our window! Crewmates Oleg and Denis proceed so as to add enhancements to their MLM module because the solar units behind them,” Marshburn tweeted (opens in new tab).

Crew-3 astronauts be part of Expedition 66 on ISS

After a short welcome ceremony, wherein the Crew-3 astronauts spoke with NASA and European Area Company leaders, the 4 members of SpaceX’s newest crewed spaceflight for NASA are settling into their new dwelling in orbit. 

Crew-3 commander Raja Chari, pilot Tom Marshburn and mission specialists Kayla Barron (all of NASA) and the European Area Company’s Matthias Maurer joined NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and Russian cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov to finish the station’s Expedition 66 crew. 

The astronauts are starting a six-month mission to the house station that started with a profitable launch from Florida’s Kennedy Area Heart on Wednesday night time. 

With Crew-3 efficiently on the Worldwide Area Station, this can conclude our protection of the mission’s launch and docking. We’ll resume in the course of the subsequent Crew Dragon milestone for SpaceX. 

Thanks for becoming a member of us and maintain trying up!

The crew is contained in the house station

The Crew-3 astronauts at the moment are contained in the Worldwide Area Station after opening the hatch to the Crew Dragon at 8:25 p.m. EST (0025 GMT). A welcome ceremony will start on NASA TV at 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT) with feedback from the crew.

Crew Dragon Endurance secured to house station

SpaceX’s Crew-3 Dragon spacecraft Endurance has secured itself to the Worldwide Area Station, marking an finish of immediately’s profitable docking. 

“Completely satisfied to be at ISS,” Crew-3 commander Raja Chari radioed to SpaceX and NASA mission controls. 

The astronauts clasped palms in a mini-celebration to mark their arrivals, a second captured stay on NASA TV. 

The hatches between Crew Dragon Endurance and the house station are scheduled to open at 8:10 p.m. EST (0110 GMT) after a collection of leak checks and pressurization actions. 

At 8:45 p.m. EST (0145 GMT), all seven astronauts on the station (4 from Crew-3 and three Expedition 66 crew) will take part a welcome ceremony on NASA TV. 

You may watch all of that house motion within the NASA TV feed on the high of this web page.

Comfortable seize full

The Dragon accomplished a “delicate seize” at 6:32 p.m. EST (2332 GMT), making its first  contact with the Worldwide Area Station because it orbited 263 miles (423 kilometers) above the Jap Caribbean. Onerous seize will likely be accomplished as soon as the 12 hooks that maintain the Dragon in place have been secured.

Crew Dragon approaching the station

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endurance is now lower than 10 minutes away from docking with the Worldwide Area Station. The spacecraft has simply arrived at “waypoint 2,” roughly 20 meters (66 toes) from its docking port. A closing “go/no go” name for the docking maneuver is anticipated at any second. 

Dragon “go” for docking

SpaceX and NASA have given the Crew Dragon Endurance the official “go” for docking, and the Crew-3 mission is on observe to dock with the Worldwide Area Station at 6:33 p.m. EST (2333 GMT). The crew has slipped again into their flight fits and are preparing for his or her arrival on the orbiting lab. 

Crew-3 astronauts beam stay views from house

The astronauts on SpaceX’s Crew-3 Dragon Endurance simply held a brief 5-minute video name from house to indicate off their crew capsule. You may watch it right here. 

The astronauts confirmed off some zero-g video games, like tossing meals round, spinning in weightlessness and extra to offer an concept of what life is like aboard Dragon. 

They’ll see the the Worldwide Area Station exterior their window as they shut in for docking tonight.

New docking time for Crew-3

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endurance is forward of schedule and can now attain the Worldwide Area Station with its Crew-3 astronauts at 6:33 p.m. EDT (2333 GMT), 40 minutes sooner than deliberate, NASA officers have stated. 

It is Docking Day for Crew-3

SpaceX’s Crew-3 astronauts are awake and gearing up for his or her docking day in orbit aboard their Crew Dragon Endurance. 

The astronauts awoke at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) and requested to carry a second of silence to honor the service and sacrifice of army service veterans for the Veterans  Day vacation in america. Crew-3 commander requested flight management

“Thanks on behalf of Endurance and SpaceX and NASA, and actually the world, to all of the veterans who give us the power to do that each day,” Crew-3 commander Raja Chari of NASA, who joined NASA in 2017 as a U.S. Air Pressure Colonel choose. 

SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts chasing house station

It is docking day for the astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission for NASA and they’re going to start their first full day in orbit with a wakeup name at  2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) as they put together to reach on the station later tonight. 

The Crew-3 astronauts went to sleep at 6 a.m. EST (1100 GMT) to finish their launch day after last night’s successful liftoff, however not earlier than recording a video tour of their brand-new Crew Dragon Endurance. You may see that video within the window right here or directly here. 

SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts headed to house station

The astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission are doing effectively and settling in to their 22-hour cruise to the Worldwide Area Station, NASA officers stated in a postlaunch convention.  You may learn our full launch wrap right here:

SpaceX launches Crew-3 astronauts to space station for NASA in nighttime liftoff

The astronauts have doffed their spacesuits and can share a meal in house as they put together to reach on the house station Thursday night time (Nov. 11). Docking is about for 7:10 p.m. EST (0010 GMT on Nov. 12). 

The astronauts will fall asleep for the night time at 6 a.m. EST (1100 GMT) on Thursday to relaxation up for the docking. They are going to get up at about 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT). 

Within the meantime, SpaceX is guiding the Crew Dragon Endeavour by way of a collection of engine burns to match course with the station. Earlier this night, the spacecraft opened its nosecone that covers its docking port. 

Try some pictures from tonight’s launch above and if you would like extra, see our full SpaceX Crew-2 mission photo gallery (opens in new tab).

NASA post-launch press convention developing

NASA will maintain a post-launch press convention quickly and you’ll take heed to it stay within the window above. 

Within the meantime, the Crew-3 astronauts have been given the go-ahead to get out of their SpaceX spacesuits to settle into the 22-hour cruise to the Worldwide Area Station. They’re attributable to arrive on the station tomorrow night. 

Tonight’s post-launch press convention is slated to start at 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT) and can function the next audio system:

Kathryn Lueders, affiliate administrator, Area Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

Steve Stich, supervisor, Industrial Crew Program, NASA’s Johnson Area Heart in Houston

Joel Montalbano, supervisor, Worldwide Area Station Program, NASA Johnson

Frank de Winne, program supervisor, Worldwide Area Station, ESA

Crew Dragon Endurance in orbit, 1st stage touchdown

Spacecraft Separation! The Crew Dragon Endurance has separated from its Falcon 9 higher stage and is formally in orbit. 

“Thanks for the nice journey, it was higher than we imagined,”Crew-3 commander Raja Chari of NASA tells launch management.

T+7 minutes: All goes effectively with the mission

Now previous the 7 minute mark into immediately’s launch, all goes effectively. 

The primary stage has begun its entry burn.

Stage Separation for Crew-3

MECO and Stage Separation: The first stage of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has separated and is headed again to Earth. The 2nd stage has ignited and is powering the Crew-3 astronauts to orbit.

LIFTOFF! SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts launch towards ISS

Liftoff! SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has launched off Pad 39A to hold the Crew-3 mission to the Worldwide Area Station for NASA. 

That is the primary flight for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endurance, the latest crew capsule of the corporate’s fleet. It’s the second flight for the Falcon 9 first stage. 

Minutes to SpaceX Crew-3 launch

SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission is within the closing minutes earlier than launch. Flight controllers have the crew a closing GO as the top of fueling nears. Liftoff is at 9:03 p.m. EST. 

“Typically if you attempt to fly on Halloween you get a trick as a substitute of a deal with, however we’ll be proud to be flying on Dragon on Veterans Day,” Crew-3 commander Raja Chari radioed flight controllers. The mission was initially scheduled to launch on Oct. 31 and delayed by climate and a crew medical concern. They will be in orbit on Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11.

Fueling begins for Crew-3 launch

SpaceX has begun fueling the Falcon 9 rocket with its rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen propellant. This late-fueling course of ought to take a few half an hour and high off just some minutes earlier than liftoff. 

Crew Entry Arm retracted, escape system armed

SpaceX has retracted the Crew Entry Arm away from the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew-3 Dragon Endurance and armed its launch escape system for immediately’s launch. 

The escape system consists of highly effective SuperDraco thrusters which can be designed to drag the Crew Dragon Endurance away from its Falcon 9 rocket within the occasion of a launch emergency. It is often known as pusher system because it pushes the capsule away from its booster, fairly than pulling it away just like the escape towers on Russia’s Soyuz rockets. 

T-1 hour to SpaceX Crew-3 launch

SpaceX is now 1 hour to launch for tonight’s Crew-3 astronaut mission for NASA. 

SpaceX simply radioed the 4 Crew-3 astronauts that the mission is “go for launch.” 

Over the following hour, SpaceX’s closeout crew will retreat to a protected distance from the launch pad whereas the crew entry arm is retraced away from its Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX will start loading propellant into the Falcon 9 rocket at 8:28 p.m. EST, a course of that ought to take a few half hour. 

Liftoff is on observe for 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT). 

Climate is GO for SpaceX Crew-3 launch

SpaceX flight controller report that climate circumstances have cleared up for tonight’s Crew-3 launch. The rain at NASA’s Pad 39A seen earlier has handed and the climate is once more clear for tonight’s launch at 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT). 

SpaceX’s closeout crew has accomplished its work on the closed hatch of the Dragon capsule, with simply over an hour earlier than for launch.

SpaceX Dragon hatch closed for launch

Now just below 2 hours to launch, the hatch to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endurance has been closed, sealing the 4 astronauts inside for tonight’s launch. Liftoff is on observe for 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT). 

A collection of leak checks are underway to make sure a great seal for the Dragon hatch. 

At present, climate is No Go for tonight’s launch attributable to rain. That climate ought to clear up in time for launch, SpaceX says.

Crew-3 Dragon astronauts in launch place

The 4 Crew-3 Dragon astronauts are strapped into their seats aboard the Endurance spacecraft for tonight’s SpaceX launch to the Worldwide Area Station at 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT). 

SpaceX’s Dragon seats rotate into launch place after crew ingress to make sure they’re within the correct place for flight. Every of the astronauts carried out a collection of communications checks to make sure they will hear SpaceX launch controllers and have a pill to make use of as they verify methods for launch.

Crew-3 astronauts enter Crew Dragon Endurance

The Crew-3 astronauts are boarding their Crew Dragon Endurance for SpaceX’s launch tonight. 

NASA astronauts Raja Chari and Tom Marshburn are already inside whereas crewmates Kayla Barron and Matthias Maurer had been subsequent after a brief wait inside a White Room exterior the capsule hatch. 

For SpaceX launches, astronauts signal the wall of the White Room as a practice earlier than launch.

Crew-3 astronauts arrive at launch pad

The Crew-3 astronauts have reached the launch pad of their NASA-themed Teslas (they’ve NASA’s worm emblem on the facet). 

The 4 astronauts will take a second to understand the view of their rocket on the pad and submit for pictures earlier than taking the elevator as much as SpaceX’s closeout room and board their Crew Dragon Endurance. 

Tonight’s launch stays on observe for 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT).

Crew-3 astronauts head to launch pad

The 4 Crew-3 astronauts are headed to NASA’s Pad 39A of their Tesla transports for the 20-minute drive to their Falcon 9 rocket. 

The astronauts are using in two Teslas, two per automobile, and are anticipated to take heed to customized music playlists for the brief journey to the launch pad. 

All methods look like working effectively on their Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon Endurance for tonight’s launch at 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT).  

Crew-3 astronauts stroll out to Teslas

The Crew-3 astronauts have accomplished their go well with up and are strolling out to a fleet of Tesla electrical vehicles that may transport them to NASA’s Pad 39A on the Kennedy Area Heart the place they may board their Crew Dragon Endurance. 

It’s kind of wet on the spaceport proper now, with media and crew family and friends wielding umbrellas on NASA’s webcast. 

Crew-3 astronauts go well with up for launch

The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission for NASA are within the Operations and Checkout Constructing suiting up for launch. 

NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Area Company Matthias Maurer have donned their SpaceX launch fits for immediately’s liftoff, which is on observe for 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT). 

SpaceX Crew-3 Launch Webcast Begins

NASA’s webcast for tonight’s SpaceX Crew-3 launch is formally underway, with launch set for 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT). Climate is at present 70% GO for the launch, NASA officers say. 

The launch will ship ASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Area Company astronaut Matthias Maurer to the house station on a six-month journey to the Worldwide Area Station. 

You may watch the webcast stay above, courtesy of NASA TV.

SpaceX, NASA ‘go’ for Crew-3 astronaut launch

SpaceX and NASA are “go” to launch the Crew-3 astronaut mission to the Worldwide Area Station, mission officers introduced late tonight. 

The choice clears the way in which for SpaceX to launch 4 astronauts on a Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule at 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT Nov. 11) from Pad 39A of NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida. 

There may be an 80% likelihood of excellent climate at launch time, in keeping with a forecast from Area Launch Delta 45 on the Cape Canaveral Area Pressure Station close to NASA’s KSC spaceport. 

The Crew-3 mission will launch NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Area Company astronaut Matthias Maurer to the house station on a six-month expedition. Their launch comes two days after the splashdown of SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission for NASA. 

On that Crew-2 flight, one of many parachutes on its Crew Dragon capsule was sluggish to inflate, however it was inside tolerances (the Dragon capsule can land with solely three parachutes, and did totally inflate earlier than splashdown. The prevalence posed no concern for the Crew-3 launch, officers stated. 

About 6 hours earlier than the Crew-3 launch, the Worldwide Area Station must fireplace its thrusters to dodge house particles leftover from a defunct Chinese language satellite tv for pc, however will likely be full in time for launch, NASA officers stated.

Replace: SpaceX, NASA Briefing now at 11 pm ET

Replace: The convention is starting now. You may hear stay above and at this NASA link.

NASA and SpaceX at the moment are focusing on 11 p.m. EST (0400 GMT) for tonight’s prelaunch briefing for the Crew-3 mission. 

Whereas we look forward to NASA and SpaceX to begin their Crew-3 prelaunch briefing, take a look at this good view of the moon, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn with the mission’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon Endurance.

New time for SpaceX, NASA Crew-3 briefing

NASA and SpaceX will now maintain their prelaunch Crew-3 press convention, which is now a teleconference, at 10:30 p.m. EST (0330 GMT Nov. 10) as they focus on plans to launch the four-astronaut mission on Wednesday night time. You can comply with the briefing within the livestream on the high of this web page. 

Liftoff is scheduled for Wednesday night time at 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT Nov. 11). 

NASA, SpaceX to speak Crew-3 astronaut launch plans

NASA and SpaceX will maintain a prelaunch press convention tonight, Nov. 9, at 9:30 p.m. EST (0230 GMT Nov. 10) to debate plans to launch a brand new four-astronaut crew to the Worldwide Area Station. You may watch it stay right here at begin time within the video feed above.

SpaceX is scheduled to launch the Crew-3 mission for NASA on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 9:03 p.m. EST (0203 GMT Nov. 11) after days of greater than every week of delays attributable to dangerous climate and a crewmember’s undisclosed medical concern. 

Crew-3 will launch NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Area Company astronaut Matthias Maurer on a six-month mission to the house station. Chari, Barron and Maurer are making their first journeys to house, whereas Marshburn is a veteran. 

Crew-2 astronauts exit Crew Dragon Endeavour

The 4 SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts have exited their Crew Dragon Endeavour capsule after tonight’s successful splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.  

SpaceX Dragon capsule with Crew-2 astronauts splashes down in Gulf of Mexico

SpaceX restoration groups helped the astronauts from the capsule one after the other. Crew-2 pilot Megan McArthur was first and adopted by Crew-2 commander Shane Kimbrough. Japan Aerospace Exploration Company astronaut Akihiko Hoshide was subsequent, with European Area Company Thomas Pesquet rounding out the crew. 

That will likely be a wrap for our SpaceX Crew-2 splashdown protection. On Tuesday, Nov. 9, we’ll shift to the upcoming Crew-3 launch for NASA on Nov. 10.

Dragon hatch opened for crew extraction

SpaceX’s restoration groups have opened the facet hatch of the Crew Dragon Endeavour and are working to extract the 4 astronauts inside to finish their return to Earth. 

SpaceX restoration crew retrieves Crew Dragon

SpaceX’s restoration ship GO Navigator has retrieved the Crew Dragon Endeavour from the ocean and positioned it on a “Dragon Nest” so it may be opened contained in the ship and its crew extracted.

Splashdown! Crew-2 again on Earth

SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour efficiently splashed down within the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, Florida at 10:33 p.m. EST (0333 GMT on Nov. 9) after a clean descent and touchdown. 

“It is good be be again on planet Earth,” NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough says as Crew-2’s Dragon Endeavour splashes down.

SpaceX’s restoration groups have already reached the bobbing capsule in quick boats to safeguard the capsule and put together it for retrieval by SpaceX’s GO Navigator restoration ship. At the moment’s splashdown marks the second profitable flight of the Dragon Endeavour.

SpaceX Crew-2 Dragon noticed by restoration groups

SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour has been sighted because it descended again to Earth throughout immediately’s reentry and splashdown. The spacecraft has deployed its important parachutes. 

SpaceX Crew Dragon enters Earth environment

SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour is now reentering the higher environment and has entered a 7-minute communications blackout because it plunges to Earth and experiences superhot temperatures on its descent.

Deorbit burn full, nosecone closure beneath approach

SpaceX experiences the deorbit burn for the Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour is full and went as anticipated. SpaceX flight controllers have despatched the command to shut the Dragon’s nosecone for reentry.

Crew-2 deorbit burn underway

The deorbit burn is underway for tonight’s Crew-2 splashdown again to Earth. The burn started at 9:39 p.m. EST and can final 16.5 minutes. Splashdown is about for 10:33 p.m. EST (0333 GMT) within the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. 

At 9:59 p.m. EST (0259 GMT), the Crew Dragon Endeavour ought to shut its open nostril cone, which is able to cowl the higher hatch of the capsule for reentry.

Endeavour’s base is roofed with a protecting warmth defend of tiles to beat back the searing warmth of reentry. It’ll use parachutes to sluggish its descent throughout splashdown. 

Crew Dragon Jettisons Trunk

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavour has jettisoned its “trunk,” the cylindrical service module on the base of the spacecraft, exposing its warmth defend and liberating the crew capsule for its reentry into Earth’s environment. 

The trunk part consists of the photo voltaic arrays and different methods very important for the Crew Dragon’s time in orbit. It may possibly additionally carry provides or exterior {hardware} for the house station.

SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts put together for deorbit

The 4 Crew-2 astronauts are making ready to fireplace their Crew Dragon Endeavour’s thrusters in a 16.5-minute burn to depart orbit for tonight’s reentry and splashdown within the Gulf of Mexico close to Florida. 

The astronauts are of their SpaceX spacesuits and strapped in for the descent. The deorbit burn will start at 9:39 p.m. EST (0239 GMT) and can finish at 9:55 p.m. EST (0255 GMT). 

SpaceX Crew-2 Dragon departs house station

SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour is en route again to Earth after flying across the Worldwide Area Station and performing a departure burn to move again to Earth. 

Dragon is performing a collection of thruster burns to information itself again to Earth for a splashdown within the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, Florida at 10:33 p.m. EST (0333 Nov. 9 GMT). 

A deorbit burn is scheduled for 9:39:27 p.m. EST to set the stage for touchdown.  

SpaceX Crew-2 Dragon flying round house station

SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour is within the midst of a flyaround maneuver across the Worldwide Area Station after immediately’s profitable undocking. 

Pilot Megan McArthur is overseeing the flyaround, which has accomplished two of 4 thruster burns as Endeavour loops across the station. The maneuver will take 90 minutes to circle the station whereas different Crew-2 astronauts {photograph} the station from the capsule. 

The house station could have accomplished practically a whole orbit of Earth because the Dragon Endeavour loops across the outpost. 

SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts undock from house station

SpaceX’s Crew-2 astronauts have undocked their Crew Dragon Endeavour from the Worldwide Area Station are making ready to fly across the house station earlier than departing for his or her return to Earth. 

Undocking occurred on time at 2:05 p.m. EST (1905 GMT) as Endeavour and the station flew 259 miles above Chile. The house station flyaround maneuver will final about an hour and a half.

Tonight’s splashdown stays on course at 10:33 p.m. EST (0333 GMT). 

NASA Crew-2 undocking protection begins

NASA’s undocking protection for SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission has begun. 

At the moment’s undocking is about for two:05 pm EST (1905 GMT) and will likely be adopted by a first-of-its-kind Dragon flyaround of the Worldwide Area Station.

Crew-2 closes hatches between Dragon, ISS

The hatch between SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour and Worldwide Area Station is formally closed, with hatch closure coming at about 12:12 p.m. EST (1712 GMT). 

The Crew-2 astronauts shut the Dragon hatch, and astronauts on the Worldwide Area Station are making ready to close their facet’s hatch to finish immediately’s prep work for undocking later immediately.

A correction to our earlier submit: Whereas Crew-2 astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur are of their SpaceX strain fits for undocking, their crewmates Akihiko Hoshide and Thomas Pesquet haven’t but placed on their fits. They’re doing so now. 

As soon as the house station hatch is closed, a collection of leak checks will ensue earlier than immediately’s undocking at 2:05 p.m. EST (1905 GMT). NASA’s undocking webcast will start at 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT).

SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts put together Dragon for undocking

NASA’s webcast is underway for immediately’s SpaceX Crew-2 undocking and the mission’s 4 astronauts are configuring their spacecraft for its return to Earth immediately. 

Crew-2 commander Shane Kimbrough and pilot Megan McArthur are of their seats configuring the spacecraft for departure whereas crewmates Akihiko Hoshide and Thomas Pesquet additionally put together for departure. All 4 astronauts  have donned their SpaceX spacesuits for the undocking. 

At the moment’s undocking is scheduled for two:05 p.m. EST (1905 GMT), with splashdown set for 10:33 p.m. EST (0333 GMT) off the coast of Florida, close to Pensacola.

It is Touchdown Day for SpaceX’s Crew-2

It is touchdown day for Area’s Crew Dragon Endeavor. 

The Dragon spacecraft will return to Earth today (opens in new tab) with the 4 astronauts of NASA’s Crew-2 mission to the Worldwide Area Station after delays attributable to dangerous climate at their Florida coast splashdown website. Returning to Earth are NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet.

Their Dragon capsule will undock from the house station at 2:05 p.m. EST (1905 GMT) and splashdown off a Florida coast at 10:33 p.m. EST (0333 GMT). Earlier than undocking, the astronauts will bid farewell to their Expedition 66 crewmates on the house station in an hatch closure ceremony set for 12:40 p.m. EST (1740 GMT). 

You may watch all of it occur stay on-line. NASA’s hatch closure webcast will start at 11:45 a.m. EST (1645 GMT) and resume for undocking at 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT) and proceed by way of splashdown.

SpaceX Crew-2 undocking and touchdown delayed

SpaceX and NASA have postponed the undocking and splashdown of their Crew-2 astronauts on the Worldwide Area Station by in the future attributable to dangerous climate at their splashdown websites. You can read our full report here (opens in new tab).

The Crew-2 astroanuts will now undock their Crew Dragon Endeavour from the house station on Monday, Nov. 8, at 2:05 p.m. EST (1905 GMT) and splash down that night time at 10:33 p.m. EST (0433 GMT) off the Florida coast. NASA and SpaceX will choose a main and backup splashdown website as they get nearer to the precise occasion to consider climate circumstances.

In fact, you’ll watch the undocking and splashdown occasions stay right here at begin time. NASA’s webcasts start Monday at 11:45 a.m. EST (1645 GFMT). Here is a rundown of the webcast schedule, courtesy of NASA:

Monday, Nov. 8

11:45 a.m. EST– Protection begins for 12:40 p.m. hatch closure

1:45 p.m. EST– Protection begins for two:05 p.m. undocking (NASA will present steady protection from undocking to splashdown)

10:33 p.m. EST– Splashdown

NASA Crew-2 Touchdown Press Convention

NASA will maintain a touchdown pre-landing press convention for SpaceX’s Crew-2 astronauts and you’ll hear stay within the window on the high of this web page. The teleconference will start at 5:30 p.m. EDT (2130 GMT) and can preview NASA and SpaceX plans to undock the Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour from the Worldwide Area Station on Sunday, Nov. 7, and return its crew to Earth early Monday morning. 

“NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission now could be focusing on a return to Earth no sooner than 7:14 a.m. EST Monday, Nov. 8, with a splashdown off the coast of Florida,” NASA wrote in an announcement. “The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, is scheduled to undock from the Worldwide Area Station at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, to start the journey dwelling.”

Area station adjustments command for Crew-2 touchdown

The Worldwide Area Station formally has a brand new commander as European Area Company astronaut Thomas Pesquet handed management of the station over to Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov immediately as Pesquet and his fellow Crew-2 crewmates put together to depart the station on Sunday. 

Pesquet handed command of the Station’s Expedition 66 crew to Shkaplerov in a Change of Command ceremony broadcast stay on NASA TV at 1:35 p.m. EDT (1735 GMT). 

Pesquet, NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, and JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide will undock their SpaceX Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour from the station on Sunday and return to Earth with a splashdown of the Florida coast early Monday morning. 

Later immediately, at 5:30 p.m. EDT (2130 GMT), NASA and its companions at JAXA and ESA will maintain a closing pre-landing press teleconference to debate touchdown choices for the Crew-2 astronauts. You may pay attention to that press convention stay within the window on the high of this web page. 

SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts to land Sunday

SpaceX’s Crew-2 astronaut mission will undock from the Worldwide Area Station on Sunday (Nov. 7) to return to Earth early Monday and you’ll watch all of it stay right here, courtesy of NASA TV.

NASA’s webcasts start Saturday, Nov. 6, with a change of command ceremony on the station at 1:35 p.m. EDT (1735 GMT) adopted by a pre-landing press teleconference at 5:30 p.m. EDT (2130 GMT). The Crew-2 astronauts are wrapping up a six-month mission to the house station. They embody NASA astronauts Shan Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Company and Thomas Pesquet of the European Area Company.

On Sunday, NASA’s undocking protection will start at 10:45 a.m. EDT (1445 GMT) with a hatch closure ceremony on the station wherein the hatches between the Crew-2 Dragon Endeavour and house station will likely be closed for departure.

Undocking is about for 1:05 p.m. EDT (1705 GMT) and NASA will webcast it stay beginning at 12:45 p.m. EDT (1645 GMT).

NASA will then livestream steady protection of the Crew-2 mission’s return to Earth by way of splashdown, which is able to happen on Monday, Nov. 8, at 7:14 a.m. EDT (1114 GMT) off the coast of Florida. A closing splashdown goal will likely be chosen nearer to touchdown. 

SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts meet the press immediately

The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission to the Worldwide Area Station will meet the press immediately at 12:30 p.m. EDT (1630 GMT) and you’ll watch it stay right here, courtesy of NASA TV. The occasion will air stay within the window on the high of this web page.

The Crew-2 astronauts will converse to the media from their dwelling on the house station forward of their deliberate return to Earth, which might happen as early as Sunday, Nov. 7. NASA and SpaceX haven’t but finalized their return to Earth after delays launching their aid crew Crew-3.

The Crew-2 astronauts are NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, European Area Company Thomas Pesquet and Japan Aerospace Exploration Company astronaut Akihiko Hoshide.

Crew-3 launch delayed as NASA eyes Crew-2 touchdown

NASA has introduced it can launch the Crew-3 mission no sooner than Monday (Nov. 8). The delay comes because the company continues to observe a minor medical concern affecting a crewmember and in response to poor climate forecasts for the Florida launch area over this weekend, in keeping with a NASA statement.

The company continues to be evaluating when to deliver the Crew-2 mission again to Earth however is focusing on no sooner than Sunday (Nov. 7) for the splashdown of 4 astronauts who’ve been in house since April.

If Crew-2 departs the Worldwide Area Station earlier than Crew-3 arrives, NASA could have just one astronaut at work on the orbiting laboratory, Mark Vande Hei, who arrived on a Russian Soyuz car and can stay in house till subsequent spring.

Crew-3 launch delayed to Nov. 6

NASA and SpaceX have delayed the launch of the Crew-3 mission to the Worldwide Area Station from Nov. 3 to Nov. 6, citing a minor medical concern with one of many crewmembers. 

Liftoff is now scheduled for no sooner than Saturday (Nov. 6) at 11:36 p.m. EDT (0336 Nov. 7 GMT), NASA officers said in a statement (opens in new tab). (NASA has not but launched an up to date schedule of prelaunch actions that will likely be out there to observe stay on NASA TV.)

SpaceX, NASA delay Crew-3 launch

SpaceX and NASA have postponed the planned Halloween launch of their Crew-3 astronaut mission to the Worldwide Area Station attributable to dangerous climate close to its launch website. 

In an announcement early this morning, NASA introduced the Crew-3 mission will now launch on Wednesday, Nov. 3. Liftoff is scheduled for 1:10 a.m. EDT (0510 GMT).

The delay is “attributable to a big storm system meandering throughout the Ohio Valley and thru northeastern United States this weekend, elevating winds and waves within the Atlantic Ocean alongside the Crew Dragon flight path for the Oct. 31 launch try,” NASA officers wrote in an announcement. 

NASA’s launch protection will now start on Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 8:45 p.m. EDT (0045 GMT).

NASA, SpaceX to speak Crew-3 mission launch plan

Replace 2: NASA experiences its Launch Readiness Assessment assembly has concluded. The press briefing ought to start shortly.

Replace: NASA and SpaceX’s Launch Readiness Assessment briefing is a teleconference and won’t be broadcast on NASA TV. It’ll now start no sooner than 11:15 p.m. EDT (0315 GMT). 

NASA and SpaceX will maintain a press convention tonight, Oct. 29, at 10 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT) to debate plans to launch 4 new astronauts to the Worldwide Area Station on Halloween.

The press convention at NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Cape Caneveral, Florida will current outcomes from a Launch Readiness Assessment assembly for SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission, which is able to launch a brand new crew to hitch the seven Expedition 66 astronauts at present aboard the station.

NASA Chief to speak SpaceX Crew-3 launch

SpaceX’s Crew-3 astronaut mission for NASA is 2 days away from its Oct. 31 launch and NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson will maintain a press convention immediately to debate the mission.

Nelson will speak at 12 pm ET and you’ll watch the press briefing stay within the window on the high of this web page. 

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 4 astronauts on the Crew-3 mission to the Worldwide Area Station on Sunday, Oct. 31, at 2:21 a.m. EDT (0621 GMT). The crew consists of NASA astronauts Raja Chari, commander; Tom Marshburn, pilot; Kayla Barron, mission specialist; and European Area Company astronaut Mattias Maurer, mission specialist.

Talking in immediately’s briefing will likely be: 

• Invoice Nelson, NASA administrator
• Bob Cabana, NASA affiliate administrator
• Kathryn Lueders, affiliate administrator, Area Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
• Janet Petro, director, NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart
• Woody Hoburg, NASA astronaut

NASA to debate science on SpaceX Crew-3 launch

NASA will maintain a press convention at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) immediately to debate the science using to the Worldwide Area Station on the SpaceX Crew-3 mission. 

You may watch that press convention within the stay video feed on the high of this web page. 

Here’s a taste of what’s on board (opens in new tab) from NASA’s announcement.

SpaceX test-fires Falcon 9 for Crew 3 launch

SpaceX efficiently check fired the Falcon 9 rocket for its Crew-3 astronaut mission for NASA immediately (Oct. 28), clearing the way in which for a deliberate Halloween launch to the Worldwide Area Station. 

The Falcon 9 rocket, which has flown as soon as earlier than on the uncrewed CRS-22 cargo mission for NASA, fired up is 9 first-stage Merlin engines for a short static-fire check atop Launch Pad 39A of NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida. 

“Static fireplace check of Falcon 9 full – focusing on Sunday, October 31 at 2:21 a.m. EDT for launch of Dragon’s fifth human spaceflight,” SpaceX wrote in an replace.

SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission for NASA will launch 4 astronauts to the Worldwide Area Station to hitch the present Expedition 66 crew. The Crew-3 crew consists of NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Area Company astronaut Matthias Maurer. Chari will command the mission with Marshburn as pilot. Marshburn has flown in house earlier than, whereas the opposite crew astronauts will make their first flight.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket rolls out to launch pad

The Falcon 9 rocket set to launch SpaceX’s Crew-3 astronaut mission into house on Oct. 31 rolled out to its Pad 39A launch site Wednesday (Oct. 27) at NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida. 

The Falcon 9, which has flown as soon as earlier than, will launch a brand new SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule known as Endurance to the Worldwide Area Station for NASA’s Crew-3 astronaut flight. Driving aboard will likely be NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn, Kayla Barron and European Area Company astronaut Matthias Maurer. T

The astronauts spoke with reporters earlier Wednesday, in the future after arriving on the launch website. 

SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts arrive at Florida launch website

The four astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-3 launch to the Worldwide Area Station for NASA have arrived at their Kennedy Area Heart launch website in Florida and prepared for  their Halloween liftoff on Oct. 31.

Crew-3 commander Raja Chari, pilot Tom Marshburn, mission specialist Kayla Barron (all of NASA) and mission specialist Matthias Maurer of the European Area Company at the moment are of their closing days forward of their launch. They are going to launch to the station at 2:21 a.m. EDT (0621 GMT) and arrive on the station on early Monday morning. 

Area.com contributor Amy Thompson captured the crew’s arrival here (opens in new tab).

SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts meet the press

The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-3 launch for NASA are taking questions from the press forward of their Halloween launch to the Worldwide Area Station. You may watch it within the window on the high of this web page.

SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts head to launch website

UPDATE: NASA now experiences the SpaceX Crew-3 astronaut arrival occasion on the Kennedy Area Heart will start round 2:30 p.m. EDT (1830 GMT).

SpaceX’s Crew-3 Dragon capsule is in its hangar at Launch Pad 39A (opens in new tab) to satisfy its Falcon 9 rocket and the mission’s four-astronaut crew is because of arrive on the launch website later immediately.

The Crew-3 astronauts are anticipated to land at NASA’s Shuttle Touchdown Facility immediately at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) and you’ll watch their arrival stay. NASA’s webcast of the crew’s arrival will seem on the high of this web page, in addition to on our Crew-3 webcasts page. 

SpaceX is ‘go’ for Halloween Crew-3 launch

SpaceX and NASA have cleared the Crew Dragon spacecraft Endurance and its Falcon 9 rocket to launch 4 astronauts to the Worldwide Area Station on Halloween (Oct. 31) on the Crew-3 mission. The decision got here late final night time after a Flight Readiness Assessment. You can read our full story by Mike Wall for particulars.

Liftoff stays set for early Sunday at 2:21 a.m. EDT (0621 GMT) from Pad 39A of NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Cape Canaveral, Florida. 

SpaceX is working to wrap up one closing concern earlier than flight: a slight redesign of the Crew Dragon’s bathroom. In September, bathroom issues throughout SpaceX’s all-civilian Inspiration4 flight revealed {that a} tube resulting in a urine storage tank had popped unfastened, permitting urine right into a fan system as a substitute of its supposed tank. 

For the Crew-3 flight, SpaceX is revamping the bathroom system to incorporate an all-welded construction that will stop comparable tube separations. As soon as SpaceX completes its work, NASA must log out on the change, one thing that’s anticipated in coming days.

NASA talks launch plans for SpaceX’s Crew-3 mission

NASA and SpaceX mission managers are assembly immediately in a Flight Readiness Assessment assembly that may determine if SpaceX’s subsequent crewed mission for NASA is prepared for liftoff. 

Called Crew-3 (opens in new tab), SpaceX’s subsequent astronaut mission for NASA will launch three American astronauts and one European Area Company astronaut to the Worldwide Area Station on a six-month mission. Liftoff is about for Oct. 31 (Halloween) at 2:21 a.m. EDT (0621 GMT). The crew consists of mission commander Raja Chari and mission specialists Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron, all from NASA, and European astronaut Matthias Maurer. 

SpaceX and NASA will maintain a media teleconference tonight to debate immediately’s Flight Readiness Assessment assembly and you’ll hear in stay. That briefing will start no sooner than 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) tonight. You may watch stay on the high of this web page or directly from NASA here (opens in new tab).

11 crewmembers on house station

The joint crews of SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission and the Worldwide Area Station have joined as much as form one big group of 11 people in orbit. 

“We’re so excited to be right here, we’re able to get to work,” Crew-2 pilot Megan McArthur advised appearing NASA astronaut Steve Jurczyk after getting into the station. 

There will not be 11 folks collectively on the house station for lengthy. The 4 astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-1 mission, which launched in November 2020, will return to Earth on April 28, leaving seven crewmembers behind. 

You can discover that mission protection right here with stay touchdown updates and protection. 

The Crew-2 astronauts, in the meantime, will keep onboard for the following six months. 

That may wrap up our stay protection for Crew-2’s launch and docking. Thanks for becoming a member of us. 

Hatches open between Crew Dragon, Station

The hatches are formally open between SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon capsule and the Worldwide Area Station. 

Crew-2 astronauts opened the ultimate hatch between their two spacecraft at 7:05 a.m. EDT (1105 GMT) as the 2 automobiles sailed 267 miles over the South Pacific Ocean. 

The Crew Dragon crew will set up some ducts for air circulation earlier than getting into the station. Contained in the station, the station’s Expedition 64 crew is eagerly awaiting their new crewmates. 

SpaceX Crew-2 docks at house station

SpaceX’s Crew-2 Dragon spacecraft successfully docked itself (opens in new tab) on the Worldwide Area Station Saturday (April 24), making historical past as the primary used SpaceX capsule to ferry astronauts to the orbiting lab. 

The Crew Dragon Endeavour docked on the house station at 5:08 a.m. EDT (0908 GMT) to ship NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Akihiko Hoshide of Japan and Thomas Pesquet of France to their new dwelling for the following six months. 

After a collection of leak checks, the hatches between Endeavour and the house station will likely be opened at 7:15 a.m. EDT (1115 GMT). A welcome ceremony with all 11 of the astronauts on the station is anticipated at 7:45 a.m. EDT. 

Crew-2 astronauts wake for docking day

The 4 Crew-2 astronauts have woke up in orbit aboard the Crew Dragon Endeavour for what will likely be their docking day on the Worldwide Area Station. Astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur (each of NASA), Akihiko Hoshide of Japan and Thomas Pesquet of France awoke at simply after 10 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT) to begin their Flight Day 2. 

Endeavour is scheduled to dock itself on the house station on Saturday, April 24, at 5:10 a.m. EDT (0910 GMT) after a collection of orbital maneuvers, a flyaround of the station and shutting burns to dock on the ahead port of the station’s U.S.-built Concord module.

Elon Musk: “Seems like a dream”

Talking throughout a information convention held shortly after launch, SpaceX founder Elon Musk talked about how vital it was for the corporate to be flying crew. “I am simply actually pleased with the SpaceX crew and honored to be partnered with NASA and serving to with JAXA and ESA as effectively,” he stated. Read more here

Wonderful pictures of Crew-2 launch

SpaceX’s Crew-2 astronaut launch for NASA painted the predawn sky with dazzling colours and the pictures are simply spectacular. This photograph, taken by Area.com contributor Amy Thompson, reveals SpaceX’s Falcon 9 1st stage and 2nd stage after separation. 

Check out some other truly amazing photos of SpaceX’s Crew-2 launch here!

NASA, SpaceX to carry post-launch press convention

NASA and SpaceX are anticipated to carry a press convention at round 7:30 a.m. EDT (1130 GMT) to debate immediately’s profitable launch to the Worldwide Area Station. You may comply with that press convention within the livestream above or by visiting here.

Crew Dragon Endeavour chasing house station

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavour is chasing the Worldwide Area Station in what will likely be a 23-hour flight to the orbiting laboratory. 

Endeavour has carried out a “phasing burn” considered one of a number of maneuvers to maintain the spacecraft on observe to reach on the Worldwide Area Station on Saturday, April 24. Docking is about for five:10 a.m. EDT (0910 GMT).

The 4 Crew-2 astronauts will quickly take off their glossy SpaceX-issue spacesuits and don extra snug garments for journey to the house station.

Crew Dragon safely in orbit

Following a spectacular early morning launch of the Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Kennedy Area Heart, Crew Dragon and its crew of 4 astronauts are safely in orbit.

Crew Dragon has separated from the Falcon’s second stage, nosecone deploy is developing because the spacecraft is starting its strategy to the Worldwide Area Station.

Landing! Falcon 9 1st stage nails touchdown at sea

The primary stage of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for immediately’s Crew-2 launch has efficiently landed on the drone ship Of Course I Nonetheless Love You within the Atlantic Ocean following immediately’s astronaut launch for NASA. 

This marks the second touchdown for this Falcon 9 rocket and the second crewed flight. It launched NASA’s Crew-1 astronaut mission to the Worldwide Area Station in November 2020. 

LIFTOFF! Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon heading for orbit

 The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft has lifted off from Kennedy Area Heart’s Launch Complicated 39A. 

NASA Crew-2 commander Shane Kimbrough and pilot Megan McArthur are reporting that the launch car and spacecraft are performing nominally as they start the 12-minute climb to orbit.

Falcon 9 & Crew Dragon: T-minus 5 minutes and counting

The Crew Dragon spacecraft has transitioned to inner energy for this morning’s launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 5:49 AM EDT (0949 GMT) from Launch Complicated 39A at Florida’s Kennedy Area Heart.

The Falcon 9 propellant tanks have been topped off with liquid oxygen (LOX) and rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1). Because the countdown nears T-0, flight computer systems will assess the Falcon 9 engine steering system and the car’s propellant tanks will likely be pressurized to flight strain. 

At T-minus 3.3 seconds, the engine controller instructions the Merlin engines ignition sequence to commerce, constructing as much as most energy for launch

Within the Crew Dragon spacecraft, Crew-2 mission commander Shane Kimbrough and pilot Megan McArthur are conducting closing launch preparations, assisted by mission specialists Akihiko Hoshide and Thomas Pesquet.

No technical points are being labored. Climate circumstances are ‘Inexperienced.’ GO FOR LAUNCH!

 Right here’s a abstract of the ultimate countdown and ascent to orbit milestones:

-00:01:00  Command flight laptop to start closing prelaunch checks 

-00:01:00  Propellant tank pressurization to flight strain begins 

-00:00:45  SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch 

-00:00:03  Engine controller instructions engine ignition sequence to begin 

-00:00:00  Falcon 9 liftoff 

+00:00:58  Max Q (second of peak mechanical stress on the rocket) 

+00:02:33  1st stage important engine cutoff (MECO) 

+00:02:36  1st and 2nd phases separate 

+00:02:44  2nd stage engine begins 

+00:07:15  1st stage entry burn 

+00:08:47  2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1) 

+00:08:52  1st stage entry burn 

+00:09:22  1st stage touchdown 

+00:12:00  Crew Dragon separates from 2nd stage 

+00:12:46  Dragon nosecone open sequence begins 

Falcon 9 & Crew Dragon: T-minus 10 minutes and counting

 The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, Akihiko Hoshide and Thomas Pesquet  onboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, has been cleared for launch at 5:49 AM EDT (0949 GMT).

The mission administration crew has been polled and all have reported ‘Go for launch.’ The 4 astronauts are strapped into their seats, operating by way of pre-launch checklists and are intently monitoring spacecraft methods in preparation for his or her ascent to orbit.

No technical or car points are being labored presently, with little or no chatter on the inner communication loops. Climate circumstances and the Jap Vary are ‘Inexperienced’ for launch.

Falcon 9 ‘GO’ for propellant load

Falcon 9 has been cleared to start propellant loading. The SpaceX launch director has simply given the OK to begin fueling the primary stage of the 215 foot-tall (65 meter) two-stage Falcon 9 launch car, which is powered by liquid oxygen (LOX) and rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1).

The crew entry arm is being retracted and Crew Dragon’s emergency launch escape system will likely be armed, making ready the spacecraft to separate from the launch car within the unlikely occasion of anomaly on the pad or throughout ascent. As soon as the system is armed, propellant loading will quickly comply with.

Crew Dragon options a complicated abort system with eight SuperDraco engines and a collection of parachutes that may be activated instantaneously from the second they’re armed on the launch pad during orbital insertion.

The 4 astronauts have simply closed and locked their visors in preparation for launch. 

The SpaceX launch crew will not be working any technical points presently with Falcon 9 or Crew Dragon. Climate is at present ‘Inexperienced’ for launch.

Launch is scheduled for five:49 AM EDT (0949 GMT).

Closeout Crew Departs Launch Pad

SpaceX’s closeout crew has departed Launch Pad 39A forward of immediately’s Crew-2 astronaut launch on a Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon Endeavour. 

At the moment’s countdown has proceeded easily, with no climate or car issues. 

NASA has captured some video of the Crew-2 astronauts enjoying Rock, Paper, Scissors inside Endeavour after hatch closure. Test it out above.

Replace: That hand sign sport by the Crew-2 astronauts was not, in actual fact, Rock Paper Scissors, however a sport astronaut Thomas Pesquet performed as a child rising up in France, per NASA.

Countdown continuing easily

The countdown is continuing easily for this morning’s launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft. Liftoff is scheduled for five:49 AM EDT (0949 GMT).

Communication checks between the launch crew, flight controllers and the spacecraft have been accomplished.

The launch crew is rigorously reviewing car information to determine if fueling operations can start; shortly, the SpaceX launch director is anticipated to offer the OK to begin loading propellants into the 215 foot-tall (65 meter) two-stage Falcon 9 launch car. Falcon 9 is powered by liquid oxygen (LOX) and rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1).

The launch crew will not be working any technical points presently. 

Crew Dragon hatch closed for launch

Crew Dragon’s Endeavour hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the 4 astronauts are strapped into their seats and preparations are progressing easily for this morning’s Falcon 9 launch try from Launch Complicated 39A at Florida’s Kennedy Area Heart – the second operational mission to the Worldwide Area Station within the Industrial Crew Program.

SpaceX’s black-clad close-out crew are about 16 minutes forward of schedule for his or her launch prep work.

Crew-2 mission commander Shane Kimbrough and pilot Megan McArthur have accomplished air-to-ground communications checks to make sure that the 4 astronauts can speak to flight controllers and one another in the course of the spacecraft’s ascent to orbit. Go well with leak checks have additionally been accomplished.

Launch is scheduled for five:49 AM EDT (0949 GMT). The launch crew will not be monitoring any technical points; launch climate forecast stays favorable, with a 90 p.c likelihood of acceptable circumstances at launch time.

All 4 Crew-2 astronauts aboard Crew Dragon Endeavour

All 4 Crew-2 astronauts have boarded their SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour for immediately’s predawn launch to the Worldwide Area Station. You may see them within the NASA TV picture above. From left, they’re: ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, NASA astronauts Megan McArthur and Shane Kimbrough, JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide. 

The astronauts have closed their SpaceX spacesuit helmets for leak checks and swiveled their seats upward into launch place for immediately’s launch at 5:49 a.m. EDT (0949 GMT). 

2 astronauts have boarded Crew Dragon

NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Meghan McArthur at the moment are contained in the Crew Dragon. ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet and JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide will board subsequent. 

Astronauts arrive on the launch pad

The 4 Crew-2 astronauts have arrived at Launch Complicated 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida, the place they may carry off lower than three hours from now. In about Quarter-hour the astronauts will start to board the Crew Dragon Endeavour. 

Crew-2 astronauts are virtually completed suiting up

NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Area Company astronaut Thomas Pesquet are nearly completed entering into their SpaceX spacesuits (opens in new tab) forward of their flight. 

The crew is scheduled to depart the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Constructing at 2:29 a.m. EDT (0629 GMT) and board their Tesla Model X (opens in new tab) automobiles, wherein they are going to be pushed to Launch Complicated 39A. 

They’re scheduled to reach on the launch website at 2:54 a.m. EDT (0654 GMT). 

NASA’s Crew-2 launch webcast is stay now!

NASA’s stay broadcast of the SpaceX Crew-2 launch to the Worldwide Area Station has begun! We’re simply over 4 hours away from liftoff, which is scheduled for five:49 a.m. EDT (0949 GMT). 

You may watch the launch live here (opens in new tab) and discover extra details about NASA’s Crew-2 webcasts here (opens in new tab). 

SpaceX launch could also be seen from the US East Coast

SpaceX’s Crew-2 astronaut launch will liftoff from Florida’s Area Coast earlier than dawn on Friday, April 23, and there is a likelihood for observers alongside the U.S. East Coast to see the rocket’s ascent into orbit. 

Based on Area.com columnist Joe Rao, skywatchers with clear skies have an opportunity to see the second stage of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket because it streaks towards house. Precisely when the Falcon 9 will likely be seen, and for the way lengthy, is determined by your location alongside the East Coast.

You can see tips on when and how to see the SpaceX launch in our full story here.

SpaceX prepared for Crew-2 launch

SpaceX is lower than a day away from launching the Crew-2 astronauts to the Worldwide Area Station. 

As with each SpaceX launch for NASA, you’ll watch the mission stay on-line. NASA’s webcast will start at 1:30 a.m. EDT (0630 GMT) after which run repeatedly by way of docking on the house station on Saturday. 

Here’s our full preview for Friday’s launch from contributor Amy Thompson in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Crew-2 Launch Delayed

NASA and SpaceX have delayed the launch of the Crew-2 astronaut mission to the Worldwide Area Station to no sooner than Friday, April 23 attributable to dangerous climate downrange. Liftoff is now set for 5:49 a.m. EDT (0949 GMT). 

“Though circumstances across the launch website had been anticipated to be favorable for liftoff, mission groups additionally should take into account circumstances alongside the flight path and restoration space within the unlikely occasion of a launch escape,” NASA officers said in a statement today.

You can read our full story on the launch delay here.

Crew-2 astronauts arrive at launch website

The 4 astronauts of NASA’s Crew-2 mission to the Worldwide Area Station have arrived at their Kennedy Space Center launch site for an April 22 launch on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavour and Falcon 9 rocket. 

The crew, NASA astronauts Shanek Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, Japan Aerospace Exploration Company astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Area Company astronaut Thomas Pesquet, arrived at KSC’s Launch and Touchdown Facility (a former Shuttle Touchdown Facility). They’re scheduled to launch on April 22 at 6:11 a.m. EDT (1011 GMT). 

At the moment (April 17), the Crew-2 astronauts will maintain a digital press convention at 9:45 a.m. EDT (1345 GMT). You may watch it stay on this web page and here on Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV. 

One week to launch for SpaceX’s Crew-2

SpaceX is one week away from launching 4 astronauts into house for NASA to start a months-long trek to the Worldwide Area Station. 

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the astronauts on the Crew-2 mission for NASA on Thursday, April 22. Liftoff is about for six:11 a.m. EDT (1011 GMT). The house company will maintain a Flight Readiness Assessment briefing immediately, April 15, at 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) to debate the mission. You can watch that live here and comply with alongside on the high of this web page.

The Crew-2 mission will launch from NASA’s historic Pad 39A on the Kennedy Area Heart in Cape Canaveral, Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon Endeavour, which launched SpaceX’s first crewed flight for NASA (known as Demo-2) in Might 2020, will launch the mission. 

Crew-2 will launch a four-person crew: NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Area Company astronaut Thomas Pesquet. The 4 house vacationers will be part of seven others aboard the station once they arrive on the station on April 23. 4 of these crewmates launched on SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission and can return to Earth on April 28. The opposite three arrived earlier this month on a Russian Soyuz to start their very own prolonged keep. 

— Tariq Malik