NASA and SpaceX are launching the first crewed mission to the International Space Station aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission, a demo flight, is meant to validate the crew transport systems that were tested on the initial unmanned crew demo launch. Following a weather delay, NASA and SpaceX will attempt to launch again on Saturday, May 30th at 2:22 pm CDT.
Complete coverage of the launch will be provided by both NASA and SpaceX. NASA coverage begins at 10 am CDT on NASA TV, via livestream at NASA.gov, and on the agency’s YouTube channel. SpaceX coverage begins around 10:22 am CDT on the company’s website.
Nine minutes after launch, the first stage of the Falcon 9 will attempt a barge landing on SpaceX’s Of Course I Still Love You. Following the landing of the first stage, Crew Dragon will deploy from the second stage and the nosecone sequence will begin.
NASA coverage will continue after the launch as the crew reaches orbit and begins chasing the International Space Station for docking. During this 24 hour period, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken will verify the spacecraft systems and monitor the autonomous docking system.
Crew Dragon will arrive at the International Space Station about 20 hours after launch. Docking, hatch opening, and a welcome ceremony for the crew will be broadcast on the agency’s media channel and online platforms on Sunday, May 31st beginning at 9:29 CDT.
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Crew Dragon, NASA, now launching, SpaceX