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After nine years, thirty-six expeditions, and a massive global pandemic, the United States is finally ready to launch its own astronauts into space once again. The launch of the Demo-2 mission, using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Block 5, has just been set for 4:32 pm (EDT) on May 27, and will end the longest period the United States has spent without a capacity to manned launch.
Pilot Robert Behnken and Commander Douglas Hurley, both veterans of the Space Shuttle Program, will be on the Demo-2 mission. They will be aboard the Crew Dragon, the latest version of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, for their encounter with the International Space Station (ISS), and will conduct a series of tests on the spacecraft on the way there. These tests will include, among other systems, the spacecraft’s propulsion, controls, life support and display systems. Then during the ISS rendezvous, there will be (another) opportunity to test the Dragon’s docking capabilities (after the successful Demo-1 mission).
After this (presumably successful) rendezvous and docking, Hurley and Behnken will have an “extended stay,” which will last “to be determined.” However, this flight can be expected to return within 110 days, as the specific capsule is only qualified to stay in space that long, while future versions may last 180 days (enough for a full ISS Expedition) . This wait in space will allow full controls on the Dragon’s ability for the crew to survive in space for an extended period (since nothing can defeat reality). Then, the Dragon will attempt to bring his crew home safely.
This mission, if successful, will be momentous for NASA’s manned space program. As with the first space shuttle flight, Demo-2 will help define the future era. Furthermore, a successful mission will eventually end dependence on the US. USA From russian Soyuz spacecraft, opening up more possibilities for NASA and businesses alike. Finally, by making this flight, (the first commercially manned orbital mission in a commercial vehicle), NASA will definitely demonstrate that its new approach, of purchasing transport as a service, is viable and profitable.
However, some obstacles remain; An engine failure in the latest Falcon 9 launch caused the vehicle to crash during its landing attempt, the fifth of that specific boost. While this is suspected to be related to the unprecedented experience of the reinforcement itself, and a landing is not critical to the mission, investigations into this failure have yet to be conducted. Hours also tend to be delayed on spaceflights, so May 27 is not a firm date; It is simply a goal. But the fact that this date is so close implies that a manned launch, COVID-19 or not, will be carried out in the coming months.
The wait is almost over.
Featured image courtesy of SpaceX
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