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SpaceX has successfully completed its final parachute test for the Crew Dragon capsule that will take two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) later this month. This first manned test flight will mark the first time that American astronauts have been launched into space from American ground since the completion of the space shuttle program in 2011.
The company shared the results of the parachute test on Twitter, showing an image of four Mark 3 successfully deployed parachutes and safely carrying a test weight to Earth.
27th and final test of the complete Crew Dragon improved Mark 3 parachutes: one step closer to flying @POT astronauts @StroBehnken and @Astro_Doug to the @Spacial station and safely returning them back to Earth pic.twitter.com/tY9jKKwzFi
– SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 1, 2020
Before the test, SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell spoke to reporters about the pressure she was feeling personally prior to the historic launch, saying, “I’m nervous now, because we’re ready to blow up Bob and Doug. And I’m pretty I’m sure I’ll still be nervous. They’ll have a little relief when they’re in orbit, and more relief when they get to the station. And I’ll start sleeping again when they return safely to planet Earth. “
But he also expressed his confidence in his team and in the company, saying: “Thousands of SpaceX employees are focused on this mission. We have analyzed the problems associated with Dragon and Falcon more than any other mission we have had in our history. We have been on the International Space Station 21 times, and we hope that experience will help us ensure that this next flight to the International Space Station is even more spectacular and productive. ”
With full parachute testing, SpaceX can now focus on final preparations for the capsule and rocket ready for launch later this month. The company also shared an image of the Crew Dragon capsule being carried out in the final preparations:
Crew Dragon in the Cape undergoes final preparations before the first flight to the @Spacial station with @POT astronauts on board pic.twitter.com/uMpmroFDD6
– SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 1, 2020
The test flight is scheduled for May 27 at 1:32 p.m. PT, when the capsule will be launched from the top of a Falcon 9 rocket from platform 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Although the public is generally welcome to Kennedy to view the launches, NASA has specifically requested that members of the public stay away from the launch site and watch from home this time due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
We will keep you updated with the latest news and information on how to view the event via live broadcast once it is available.
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