SpaceX is launching NASA Crew 2 [Live: 23.04.2021, 09:49 UTC]

in Space Exploration3 years ago (edited)

This is the second operational Crew Mission for NASA. Two astronauts from NASA, one from JAXA and one from ESA will travel to the ISS for a regular 6 month rotation.

Prelaunch news conference: Mission Update: NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 Launch

Crew 1 and 2 will be docked to the ISS at the same time for a period of 5 days (20 days supply is available if departure of Crew 1 is delayed).

Launch weather for crew mission is a little bit more finnicky than regular launches. The weather needs to be good along the whole launch trajectory. In case of an in-flight abort, crew needs to be rescued from the ocean.

Tim Dodd: Crew Dragon Launch Day Timeline: From Suit up to Docking with the ISS


NASA's Mars helicopter finally undertook its first flight. It managed to hover at around 3 meters off the ground and land again.

Dr. Becky: Ingenuity's First Flight on Mars! How, why and live reaction

Anton Petrov: They Did It! NASA's Helicopter Actually Flew on Mars!

Ingenuity Helicopter: Wikipedia

Perseverance: Wikipedia


The booster is a Falcon 9 on its second mission, carrying a payload mass of 13 t.

The rocket will launch from Kennedy Space Center (LC-39A), Florida and the first stage will land on a drone ship downrange.

Travel time to ISS will be 8:30 hours.


Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com


Where to watch:


Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia


Useful links to stay up to date on launches:

Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule

Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews

Space News:

NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com


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