SpaceX Launches Crew for NASA on Retiring Dragon Capsule
SpaceX launched a new crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, as questions swirl over the company’s plans for the future of its human spaceflight program. Once at the ISS, the crew will live and work there for the next six months. The mission is the latest in a series of flights that SpaceX performs for NASA to ensure the ISS is staffed at all times. (Source: Bloomberg)
NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov, have successfully entered the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. The crew has completed several crucial tasks prior to launch, including communication checks, suit inspections, and adjusting seats for the impending launch.
Once cleared, the Dragon's side hatch will be closed by the pad support team. Upon liftoff at 11:10 a.m. EDT, the four-person team is expected to reach the ISS within eight hours, marking the quickest launch-to-docking in U.S. spacecraft history. Upon arrival, a total of 11 astronauts from NASA, CSA, ESA, and Roscosmos will join the crew aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Live coverage of the launch will begin at 9:20 a.m. EDT, with ongoing updates available on NASA's mission blog and social media platforms.
Written by urgent.news from NASA Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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