Thanks for the article, a couple of questions:a: Where is Atlas V holding re Human Certification? (I'm sure this has been covered in one of the many thread I don't follow, so just point me in the right direction, ty).b: You write that "SpaceX would also have to complete the Dragon in-flight abort test prior to putting crew aboard", I understand that the IFA was never required, did it become required once SpaceX committed to it?
Extended time on orbit means the Hydrogen Peroxide becomes decomposed into gaseous Oxygen and Hydrogen, which create bubbles within the liquid-fueled thrusters.
Awesome article Thomas. ThanksAIUI, while the Falcon/Dragon IFA test IS still required (because SpaceX proposed it and NASA accepted), I don't think there is anything forbidding a schedule swap of DM-2 and the IFA but administrative procedure. I could have that wrong, in which case I would welcome correction.Also didn't NASA state that the MS-09 lifetime expires on January 2, 2019? Your article says late December.I would appreciate clarification of that.