[ad_1]
Editor’s note: This version was updated on March 4, 2024 to fix the audio-only link toAnd change the image.
An international crew of four reached orbit following a successful launch to the International Space Station at 10:53 p.m. EST Sunday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission is the agency’s eighth commercial crew rotation mission with the company to the space station.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, for a scientific expedition aboard the orbital laboratory.
“Congratulations to NASA and SpaceX on another successful launch to the International Space Station! On this eighth crew rotation mission, we are once again showcasing the strength of our commercial partnerships and American ingenuity that will propel us further into the cosmos,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Aboard the station, the crew will conduct more than 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations to help fuel this new era of space exploration and benefit humanity here on Earth.”
During Dragon’s flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automated maneuvers of the spacecraft from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA teams will monitor space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA coverage continues with only audio commentary until the start of the rendezvous and docking broadcast.
The Dragon spacecraft, called Endeavor, will dock autonomously to the forward port of the station’s Harmony module around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5. NASA will provide live coverage of the rendezvous, docking and hatch opening, beginning at 1 a.m. NASA+NASA Television, the NASA application, Youtubeand the agency website. NASA will also continue to cover the crew welcome ceremony once they are aboard the orbital outpost. Learn how to stream NASA TV across a variety of platforms, including social media.
Crew-8 will join the space station’s Expedition 70 crew of NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA astronaut ( Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Satoshi Furukawa and Roscosmos cosmonauts Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chubb. For a short time, the number of crew members aboard the space station will increase to 11 until Crew-7 members Moghbeli, Mogensen, Furukawa and Borisov return to Earth a few days later.
Crew-8 will conduct new scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefit humanity on Earth. Experiments include a study of brain organoids to understand neurodegenerative disorders, changes in body fluids during spaceflight, and the effects of ultraviolet radiation and microgravity on plant growth. These are just a few of the more than 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations that will take place during your mission.
With this mission, NASA will maximize the use of the space station, where astronauts have lived and worked continuously for more than 23 years testing technologies, conducting science and developing the skills necessary to operate future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit and explore further. far from Earth. . Research conducted on the space station provides benefits to people on Earth and paves the way for future long-duration trips to the Moon and beyond through NASA’s Artemis missions.
Matthew Dominick is the commander of Crew-8, his first space flight since his selection as an astronaut in 2017. During Expedition 70/71 aboard the space station, he will serve as a mission specialist. Continue @dominickmatthew in X.
Michael Barratt is the pilot of Crew-8 and is making his third visit to the space station. In 2009, Barratt served as flight engineer for Expeditions 19/20 as the station grew from its standard crew of three to six and performed two spacewalks. He flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 2011 on mission STS-133, which delivered the permanent multipurpose module and the fourth express logistics carrier. Barratt has spent a total of 212 days in space. During Expedition 70/71, he will act as a mission specialist.
Jeanette Epps is a mission specialist for Crew-8, its first spaceflight, working with the commander and pilot to monitor the spacecraft during the dynamic launch and reentry phases of the flight. Epps was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2009. She will serve as a flight engineer during Expeditions 70/71. Continue @Astro_Jeanette in X.
Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin is flying on his first mission. He will serve as a flight engineer during Expeditions 70/71.
Learn more about the SpaceX Crew-8 mission and NASA’s commercial crew program at:
-end-
Josh Finch / Claire O’Shea
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov / claire.a.oshea@nasa.gov
Steven Siceloff / Danielle Sempsrott
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
321-867-2468
steven.p.siceloff@nasa.gov / danielle.c.sempsrott@nasa.gov
Lea Cheshier
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
leah.d.cheshier@nasa.gov