The overall goal of the BLAST mission is to operate a custom-built scintillator cosmic ray detector in low Earth orbit as well as to demonstrate a gravity gradient boom as a passive attitude stabilization approach.
The satellite will be launched as a secondary payload aboard SpaceX Mission 30, from Cape Canaveral, no earlier than March 4, 2024.
I may have lost track. There were 6 from 21-26 then three more were announced in December 2020. When where and how many more CRS2 have been announced/contracted for?
Feb 2024 SpX-30
1491-EX-CN-2023
DORA, 3U Cubesat from Arizona State University
NextSpaceflight (Updated November 1st)
Launch NET March 4, 2023
https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6912
Yale University BLAST 2U CubeSat, 0953-EX-CN-2023QuoteThe overall goal of the BLAST mission is to operate a custom-built scintillator cosmic ray detector in low Earth orbit as well as to demonstrate a gravity gradient boom as a passive attitude stabilization approach.
The satellite will be launched as a secondary payload aboard SpaceX Mission 30, from Cape Canaveral, no earlier than March 4, 2024.
Patch attached.The rodent in the clouds ☁️ = rodent experiment subjects.
Re: SLC-40 Crew/Cargo Dragon launches:
NSF SpaceX closes out record-breaking 2023, prepares for more records in 2024 (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/12/falcon-roundup/), December 31, by Alejandro Alcantarilla RomeraQuoteHowever, Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) is still the only launchpad that can support Dragon flights. Due to recent schedule adjustments, SLC-40’s crew access tower is now unlikely to support a Dragon mission until at least March 2024.
Crew-8 launches from LC-39A.
From the press conference:
Crew-8 launch in late February, after IM-1 launch window.
<snip>
Edit/add; already reported in-thread: Bill Harwood asks for more specificity about timing of IM-1 and Crew-8 launches.
If IM-1 launches February 14, then Crew-8 could launch as early as February 29 or March 1.
If IM-1 cannot launch during its February window, then Crew-8 could launch as early as February 22.
Patch attached.There is a drawing of what I assume is a payload to be carried in the trunk to be mounted on the exterior of ISS.
Patch attached.There is a drawing of what I assume is a payload to be carried in the trunk to be mounted on the exterior of ISS.
What is it? I looked through the list of ISS external payloads on Gunter's website and no future payloads seemed to match.
Media accreditation is open at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for SpaceX’s 30th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-30) mission to the International Space Station for the agency.
Liftoff of the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket is targeted no earlier than mid-March from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Media prelaunch and launch activities will take place at NASA Kennedy. Attendance for this launch is open to U.S. citizens. The application deadline for U.S. media is 11:59 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Per NextSpaceflight this is ASDS. Should be RTLS, correct?
A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on March 11 at 8:47 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.
HUNTSVILLE, AL, February 20, 2024 — Above: Space Development Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Above: Orbital, will be testing the performance and durability of its proprietary materials in low orbit, aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-19) mission in March, flown by SpaceX Dragon resupply mission, SPX-30. Above: Orbital is developing adaptable, space-based microgravity platforms for government and commercial customers.
The Aegis Aerospace Team has started the final integration of the MISSE-19 mission. This mission is composed of five MISSE Science Carriers (MSCs) of 12 experiments, six from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Research Centers and six Commercial experiments. MISSE-19 is scheduled to launch on SpX-30 in March 2024.
A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on March TBD, in the evening EDT.https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html
If LC-39A is set up for dragon having just launched Crew-8, why change that to more standard stage 2 and change SLC-40 from starlink to dragon for CRS-30? Wouldn't it make more sense to launch CRS-30 from LC-39A?
Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide (https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html); updated March 5; my bold:How soon can SpX-30 launch after the previous SLC-40 launch on March 4?QuoteThe next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on March 10 at 7:03-11:03 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch on March. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on mid-March TBD, in the evening EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March.
In preparation for NASA’s SpaceX 30th commercial resupply mission, the agency will stream an International Space Station National Lab science webinar at 1 p.m. EST Friday, March 8, to discuss the hardware, technology demonstrations, and science experiments headed to the space station.
NASA will provide coverage of the webinar on the agency’s website.
SpaceX is targeting no earlier than mid-March to launch its Dragon cargo spacecraft on top of a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The science webinar will include the following participants:
• Heidi Parris, associate program scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program
• Davide Marotta, science program director for in-space biomedicine, ISS National Laboratory
• Marc Elmouttie, research group leader, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
• Paula Grisanti, CEO, National Stem Cell Foundation
• Kris Kuehnel, managing director, Space Exploration Operations, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense
• Michelle Lucas, founder and CEO, Higher Orbits
• Hema Ramkumar, founder and CEO, Oculogenex
• Jordan McKaig, graduate student, Georgia Institute of Technology
To participate in the event, members of the media must register for access by 12 p.m., March 8 at:
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on March 10 at 7:03-11:03 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on mid-March at 7-11 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on late March, in the late afternoon EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March. A Falcon 9 will launch the Bandwagon-1 rideshare mission from pad 40 on April 3 at 1:24 p.m. EDT.
082022Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 262/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
210045Z TO 210516Z MAR, ALTERNATE 220020Z TO 220451Z,
222355Z TO 230426Z, 232329Z TO 240400Z,
AND 242304Z TO 250335Z MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
B. 26-15.00N 076-00.00W, 26-06.00N 074-58.00W,
25-36.00N 074-03.00W, 25-23.00N 073-53.00W,
25-09.00N 074-01.00W, 25-06.00N 074-16.00W,
25-08.00N 074-38.00W, 25-18.00N 075-00.00W,
25-58.00N 075-59.00W, 26-15.00N 076-00.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 250435Z MAR 24.
NGA Rocket Launching for March 21 already, so I assume it's this launch.Quote from: NGA082022Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 262/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
210045Z TO 210516Z MAR, ALTERNATE 220020Z TO 220451Z,
222355Z TO 230426Z, 232329Z TO 240400Z,
AND 242304Z TO 250335Z MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
B. 26-15.00N 076-00.00W, 26-06.00N 074-58.00W,
25-36.00N 074-03.00W, 25-23.00N 073-53.00W,
25-09.00N 074-01.00W, 25-06.00N 074-16.00W,
25-08.00N 074-38.00W, 25-18.00N 075-00.00W,
25-58.00N 075-59.00W, 26-15.00N 076-00.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 250435Z MAR 24.
NGA Rocket Launching for March 21 already, so I assume it's this launch.Quote from: NGA082022Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 262/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
210045Z TO 210516Z MAR, ALTERNATE 220020Z TO 220451Z,
222355Z TO 230426Z, 232329Z TO 240400Z,
AND 242304Z TO 250335Z MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
B. 26-15.00N 076-00.00W, 26-06.00N 074-58.00W,
25-36.00N 074-03.00W, 25-23.00N 073-53.00W,
25-09.00N 074-01.00W, 25-06.00N 074-16.00W,
25-08.00N 074-38.00W, 25-18.00N 075-00.00W,
25-58.00N 075-59.00W, 26-15.00N 076-00.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 250435Z MAR 24.
The window time and length plus the coordinates seem to indicate this is a Starlink launch. I'm guessing this could be a Starlink launch from 39A before CRS-30 the next day (unless they really want to have a 9 day turnaround for just two Starlinks from pad 40)
Perhaps the LC-39A Starlink launch after Starlink 6-44? Perhaps the skipped-over 6-42? 🤔My first thought was a Starlink launch, but I haven't yet received a Rocket Launching notice for 6-44 which is a lot sooner, unless 6-44 itself is being postponed all the way out to March 21, but that doesn't seem too likely.NGA Rocket Launching for March 21 already, so I assume it's this launch.Quote from: NGA082022Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 262/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
210045Z TO 210516Z MAR, ALTERNATE 220020Z TO 220451Z,
222355Z TO 230426Z, 232329Z TO 240400Z,
AND 242304Z TO 250335Z MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
B. 26-15.00N 076-00.00W, 26-06.00N 074-58.00W,
25-36.00N 074-03.00W, 25-23.00N 073-53.00W,
25-09.00N 074-01.00W, 25-06.00N 074-16.00W,
25-08.00N 074-38.00W, 25-18.00N 075-00.00W,
25-58.00N 075-59.00W, 26-15.00N 076-00.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 250435Z MAR 24.
The window time and length plus the coordinates seem to indicate this is a Starlink launch. I'm guessing this could be a Starlink launch from 39A before CRS-30 the next day (unless they really want to have a 9 day turnaround for just two Starlinks from pad 40)
I really wish that the NGA would include mission names on NGA notices where applicable.
Perhaps the LC-39A Starlink launch after Starlink 6-44? Perhaps the skipped-over 6-42? 🤔My first thought was a Starlink launch, but I haven't yet received a Rocket Launching notice for 6-44 which is a lot sooner, unless 6-44 itself is being postponed all the way out to March 21, but that doesn't seem too likely.NGA Rocket Launching for March 21 already, so I assume it's this launch.Quote from: NGA082022Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 262/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
210045Z TO 210516Z MAR, ALTERNATE 220020Z TO 220451Z,
222355Z TO 230426Z, 232329Z TO 240400Z,
AND 242304Z TO 250335Z MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
B. 26-15.00N 076-00.00W, 26-06.00N 074-58.00W,
25-36.00N 074-03.00W, 25-23.00N 073-53.00W,
25-09.00N 074-01.00W, 25-06.00N 074-16.00W,
25-08.00N 074-38.00W, 25-18.00N 075-00.00W,
25-58.00N 075-59.00W, 26-15.00N 076-00.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 250435Z MAR 24.
The window time and length plus the coordinates seem to indicate this is a Starlink launch. I'm guessing this could be a Starlink launch from 39A before CRS-30 the next day (unless they really want to have a 9 day turnaround for just two Starlinks from pad 40)
I really wish that the NGA would include mission names on NGA notices where applicable.
ISS National Lab Prelaunch Science Webinar: NASA's SpaceX CRS-30 (Mar. 8, 2024)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gna85WrFfdg
Perhaps the LC-39A Starlink launch after Starlink 6-44? Perhaps the skipped-over 6-42? 🤔My first thought was a Starlink launch, but I haven't yet received a Rocket Launching notice for 6-44 which is a lot sooner, unless 6-44 itself is being postponed all the way out to March 21, but that doesn't seem too likely.NGA Rocket Launching for March 21 already, so I assume it's this launch.Quote from: NGA<snip>
The window time and length plus the coordinates seem to indicate this is a Starlink launch. I'm guessing this could be a Starlink launch from 39A before CRS-30 the next day (unless they really want to have a 9 day turnaround for just two Starlinks from pad 40)
I really wish that the NGA would include mission names on NGA notices where applicable.
Maybe, but why would they issue a Rocket Launching notice for 6-42 before issuing one for the upcoming 6-44?
It's unusual to issue a notice this far in advance for any launch.
COMMENT | EVENT | TIG | ORB | DV | HA | HP |
COMMENT | | GMT | | M/S | KM | KM |
COMMENT | | | | (F/S) | (NM) | (NM) |
COMMENT =============================================================================
COMMENT Crew-7 Undock 071:15:00:00.000 0.0 423.8 410.1
COMMENT (0.0) (228.8 ) (221.4)
COMMENT
COMMENT GMT074 Reboost Preli 074:13:11:00.000 1.6 424.3 409.2
COMMENT (5.2) (229.1) (220.9)
COMMENT
COMMENT 71S Docking 081:16:39:49.000 0.0 425.0 412.6
COMMENT (0.0) (229.5) (222.8 )
COMMENT
COMMENT SpX-30 Launch 081:20:54:00.000 0.0 425.0 412.7
COMMENT (0.0) (229.5) (222.8 )
COMMENT
COMMENT SpX-30 Docking 083:11:00:00.000 0.0 425.2 412.0
COMMENT (0.0) (229.6) (222.5)
With the successful launch of Starlink 6-43 tonight, SpX-30 is clear to take to the pad.
New research and technology demonstrations for NASA are set to launch aboard the agency’s SpaceX 30th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for 4:55 p.m. EDT Thursday, March 21, lifting off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Live launch coverage will air on NASA+ (https://plus.nasa.gov/video/nasa_plus/), NASA Television, the NASA app (https://www.nasa.gov/connect/apps.html), and the agency’s website, with prelaunch events starting Tuesday, March 19. Learn how to stream NASA TV (https://www.nasa.gov/general/how-to-stream-nasa-tv/) through a variety of platforms.
SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will deliver new scientific investigations, food, supplies, and equipment to the international crew. NASA and its partners will send studies aboard the mission on plant metabolism (https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8812) in space and a set of new sensors (https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8702) for free-flying Astrobee robots to provide 3D mapping capabilities. Other research includes a fluid physics study that could benefit solar cell technology and a university project (https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8251) from CSA (Canadian Space Agency) that will monitor sea ice and ocean conditions.
Arrival at the station is scheduled for approximately 7:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will dock autonomously to the zenith port of the station’s Harmony module.
The spacecraft is expected to spend about a month attached to the orbiting outpost before it returns to Earth with research and cargo, splashing down off the coast of Florida.
Full mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on operations):
Tuesday, March 19
3 p.m. – Prelaunch media teleconference with the following participants:
• Kristi Duplichen, deputy manager, NASA’s International Space Station Transportation Integration Office
• Heidi Parris, associate program scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program Research Office
• Sarah Walker, director, SpaceX Dragon mission management
• Melody Lovin, launch weather officer, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron
Media may ask questions during the media teleconference by phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida no later than 2 p.m. EDT March 19, at: [email protected].
Thursday, March 21
• 4:35 p.m. – Launch coverage begins
• 4:55 p.m. – Launch
Saturday, March 23
• 5:30 a.m. – NASA arrival coverage begins
• 7:30 a.m. – Targeted docking to the zenith port of the station’s Harmony module
NASA’s coverage is subject to change based on real-time operational activities. Follow the International Space Station blog (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/) for updates.
NASA Television launch coverage
Live coverage of the launch on NASA Television will begin at 4:35 p.m. Thursday, March 21. For downlink information, schedules, and links to streaming video, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/nasatv
Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, or -7135. On launch day, the full mission broadcast can be heard on -1220 and -1240, while the countdown net only can be heard on -7135 beginning approximately one hour before the mission broadcast begins.
On launch day, live coverage of the launch without NASA Television commentary will be carried on the NASA Television media channel.
NASA website launch coverage
Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 4:35 p.m. Thursday, March 21, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our commercial resupply services mission blog for updates.
Attend launch virtually
Members of the public can register (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nasas-spacex-30th-commercial-resupply-mission-launch-registration-841797608307?aff=webfeature)to attend this launch virtually. Registrants will receive mission updates and activities by email. NASA’s virtual guest program for this mission also includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities, and a virtual guest passport stamp following a successful launch.
150944Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 297/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
212049Z TO 212120Z MAR, ALTERNATE
222024Z TO 222055Z, 232001Z TO 232032Z,
241939Z TO 242010Z, 251916Z TO 251947Z,
261850Z TO 261921Z AND 271828Z TO 271859Z MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-39.46N 080-38.00W, 28-49.00N 080-20.00W,
28-43.00N 080-09.00W, 28-33.00N 080-16.00W,
28-27.78N 080-31.66W, 28-28.07N 080-31.82W.
B. 31-10.00N 077-50.00W, 31-35.00N 077-28.00W,
31-51.00N 077-05.00W, 31-44.00N 076-53.00W,
31-20.00N 077-08.00W, 31-01.00N 077-39.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 271959Z MAR 24.
NGA Rocket Launching notice.
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative is sending a group of four small satellites, called CubeSats, to the International Space Station as ELaNa 51 (Educational Launch of Nanosatellites). These small payloads have been developed by NASA and universities and will be deployed from low Earth orbit.
Once circling Earth, the satellites will help demonstrate and mature technologies meant to improve solar power generation, detect gamma ray bursts, determine crop water usage, and measure root-zone soil and snowpack moisture levels.
The suite of satellites will hitch a ride aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft set to deliver additional science, crew supplies, and hardware for the company’s 30th commercial resupply services mission for NASA. Liftoff is targeted for 4:55 p.m. EDT Thursday, March 21, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
First Cornhusker State CubeSat
The first CubeSat from Nebraska is the Big Red Sat-1, which aims to investigate and improve the power production ability of solar cells. It is built by a team of middle and high school students mentored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate engineering students.
The satellite measuring 1U, or one unit, (about four inches cubed), will test out Perovskite cells, a new type of solar cell designed to enhance power production with and without direct exposure to sunlight. The team will compare the power production to that of typical cells, called gallium arsenide solar cells, also flying on the CubeSat.
Detecting Gamma Ray Bursts
BurstCube is a NASA-developed 6U CubeSat designed to search the sky for brief flashes of high-energy light such as gamma-ray bursts, solar flares, and other hard X-ray transients.
Long and short gamma ray bursts are stellar remnants that can be the result of some of the universe’s most powerful explosions like the collapse or collision of massive stars, or when a neutron star collides with a black hole. BurstCube will use a new kind of compact, low-power silicon photomultiplier array to detect the elusive bursts of light.
With the ability to detect these brief flashes from space, BurstCube can help alert other observatories to witness changes in the universe as they happen. Astronomers can also benefit from the information because these bursts are important sources for gravitational wave discoveries.
Rooting Out Earth Water Sources from Space
The SigNals of Opportunity P-band Investigation, or SNoOPI, is a technology demonstration CubeSat designed to improve the detection of moisture levels on a global scale of underground root-zone and within snowpacks.
Root zone soil moisture and snow water equivalent play critical roles in the hydrologic cycle, impacting agricultural food production, water management, and weather phenomena. When scientists understand the amount of water in the soil, crop growth can be accurately forecasted, and irrigation can become more efficient.
The 6U CubeSat is collaboratively developed by NASA, Purdue University in Indiana, Mississippi State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The fourth in the suite of small satellites, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s HyTI (Hyperspectral Thermal Imager) is also a 6U CubeSat designed to study water sources.
Developed in partnership with NASA to map irrigated and rainfed cropland, HyTI is a pathfinder demonstration that packs the Hyperspectral Imager Instrument, temporal resolution thermal infrared imager focal plane technology, and high-performance onboard computing to help better understand crop water use and water productivity of major world crops.
With these tools, HyTI can help develop a more detailed understanding of the movement, distribution, and availability of water and its variability over time and space, an important contribution to global food and water security issues.
These payloads were selected through NASA’s CSLI, which provides U.S. educational institutions, nonprofits with an education/outreach component, informal educational institutions (museums and science centers), and NASA centers with access to space at a low cost.
Once the CubeSat selections are made, NASA’s Launch Services Program works to pair them with a launch that is best suited to carry them as auxiliary payloads.
What is the point in launching a Crew Dragon from the west Coast of the USA?
Dragon 2 vertical on pad 40 for the first time
SPACE-X CRS-30, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 03/21/24 2049Z-2120Z
BACKUP: 03/22/24 2024Z-2055Z
03/23/24 2001Z-2032Z
03/24/24 1939Z-2010Z
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp (https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp):Does this mean launch window is now later?QuoteSPACE-X CRS-30, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY:03/21/242049Z-2120Z
BACKUP:03/22/242024Z-2055Z
03/23/242001Z-2032Z
03/24/241939Z-2010Z
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp (https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp):Does this mean launch window is now later?QuoteSPACE-X CRS-30, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY:03/21/242049Z-2120Z
BACKUP:03/22/242024Z-2055Z
03/23/242001Z-2032Z
03/24/241939Z-2010Z
QuoteCOMMENT | EVENT | TIG | ORB | DV | HA | HP |
COMMENT | | GMT | | M/S | KM | KM |
COMMENT | | | | (F/S) | (NM) | (NM) |
COMMENT =============================================================================
COMMENT GMT 074 Reboost 074:13:11:00.000 1.6 424.3 409.2
COMMENT (5.2) (229.1) (221.0)
COMMENT
COMMENT 71S Launch 081:13:21:19.000 0.0 425.2 412.5
COMMENT (0.0) (229.6) (222.8 )
COMMENT
COMMENT 71S Docking 081:16:39:42.000 0.0 425.2 412.5
COMMENT (0.0) (229.6) (222.7)
COMMENT
COMMENT SpX-30 Launch 081:20:55:09.000 0.0 425.2 412.6
COMMENT (0.0) (229.6) (222.8 )
COMMENT
COMMENT SpX-30 Docking 083:11:30:00.000 0.0 425.5 412.0
COMMENT (0.0) (229.8 ) (222.5)
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1770223739936104514Can anyone tell what booster this is based on the image?QuoteDragon 2 vertical on pad 40 for the first time
Can anyone tell what booster this is based on the image?
Can anyone tell what booster this is based on the image?
Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Falcon_9_first-stage_boosters#Active) lists B1080.6 for this mission.
(cur|prev) 14:51, 19 March 2024 Lazaro Fernandes (talk|contribs) .. (598,709 bytes) (+606) .. (→Future launches: Possibly the B1080 should support the CRS-30) (undo) (Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit)
That information was added to Wikipedia yesterday and no reference was provided. It may be correct, but it is basically no more than an opinion of one anonymous individual. Until there is a reference, do not treat this as any more valid than an unreferenced post on this forum.Can anyone tell what booster this is based on the image?
Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Falcon_9_first-stage_boosters#Active) lists B1080.6 for this mission.
So I am at KSC for a conference this week. Where is the best place to see both the launch and the landing?Pinned to the top of the SpaceX Missions Section is a thread for viewing launches from the Cape. (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44657.0)
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, March 21 for Falcon 9’s launch of Dragon’s 30th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-30) mission to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 4:55 p.m. ET with a backup launch opportunity available on Friday, March 22 at 4:29 p.m. ET if needed.
A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about 20 minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.
This is the sixth flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Ax-2, ESA Euclid, Ax-3, and two Starlink missions. Following stage separation, Falcon 9's first stage will land on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
CRS-30 is the fourth flight for this Dragon spacecraft, which previously flew CRS-22, CRS-24, and CRS-27 to the space station. After an approximate 38-hour flight, Dragon will autonomously dock with space station Saturday, March 23 at approximately 7:30 a.m. ET.
Does the Soyuz mission being scrubbed this morning affect this one at all?
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch with the CRS-30 Cargo Dragon set to launch shortly to the ISS. Will be the first use of the upgraded SLC-40 for a Dragon 2 mission.
Overview by Martin Smith.
Less than one hour until Falcon 9 launches Dragon and CRS-30 to the @Space_Station. Weather is 90% favorable for liftoff → spacex.com/launches
Upcoming launch of #CRS30 mission to the #ISS via #SpaceX's #CargoDragon & #Falcon9 vehicles
Booster supporting this mission
Watch Falcon 9 launch our third Dragon mission of the year to the @Space_Station → spacex.com/launches/missi…
T-20 minute vent for the CRS-30 countdown.
youtube.com/watch?v=k3GKF4…
LAUNCH! SpaceX Falcon 9 B1080-6 launches the CRS-30 Cargo Dragon mission to the ISS from SLC-40.
Overview: nasaspaceflight.com/2024/03/crs-30…
Live: youtube.com/watch?v=k3GKF4…
Dragon lifts off from pad 40 for the first time in four years!
Staging 1-2. Booster boosting back to RTLS landing.
Falcon 9’s first stage lands at LZ-1
Separation confirmed! Dragon is now on its way to autonomously dock with the @Space_Station on Saturday, March 23 at ~7:30 a.m. ET
Updated orbital launch count as of Mar. 21:
Earth 🌎 — 54/55
USA 🇺🇸 — 32/32
China 🇨🇳 — 13/13* (1 partial failure)
Russia 🇷🇺 — 3/3
Japan 🇯🇵 — 2/3
Iran 🇮🇷 — 2/2
India 🇮🇳 — 2/2
1/3
Orbital launches by organization:
🇺🇸 — 27 SpaceX, 4 Rocket Lab, 1 ULA
🇨🇳 — 9 CASC (1 partial failure), 2 CASIC, 1 OrienSpace, 1 CAS Space
🇷🇺 — 3 RKK Energiya
🇯🇵 — 2 MHI, 1 Space One ❌
🇮🇳 — 2 ISRO
🇮🇷 — 1 IRGC, 1 ISA
2/3
Launches by spaceport:
🇺🇸 — 13 Cape Canaveral, 10 Vandenberg, 5 KSC, 1 Wallops
🇨🇳 — 4 Xichang, 4 Jiuquan, 3 Wenchang, 2 offshore
🇳🇿 — 3 Māhia
🇷🇺 — 1 Plesetsk, 1 Baikonur, 1 Vostochny
🇯🇵 — 2 Tanegashima, 1 Space Port Kii
🇮🇳 — 2 Satish Dhawan
🇮🇷 — 1 Shahrud MTS, 1 Semnan
3/3
Up and down again: Falcon 9 launches CRS-30 at 4:55pm ET today and its first stage returns to land at Cape Canaveral. This mission marked the first flight of a Dragon 2 vehicle from SLC-40 following upgrades to enable cargo and future crew launches from a second Florida pad.
No images of separated Dragon...
We're seeing MCC Houston and Hawthorne, not the Dragon (or the second stage). What's up with ground station coverage? IIRC, SpaceX doesn't use TDRSS.
👀No images of separated Dragon...
The first Dragon 2 has launched from SLC-40 to the International Space Station!
Falcon 9 spits out green fire as it comes in for an onshore landing 🚀
Spx-30 launch and docking now precedes Soyuz MS-25 launch.Does the Soyuz mission being scrubbed this morning affect this one at all?Seems like there is no impact on the next launch to the ISS:
4:35 p.m. —Launch coverage of NASA’s SpaceX CRS-30 mission to the International Space Station. Launch scheduled for 4:55 p.m. Stream on NASA+
https://www.nasa.gov/nasatv
Falcon 9 and Dragon headed downrange from Florida’s space coast, en route to the International Space Station.
📸 -
@NASASpaceflight
Tough to beat a launch in a clear blue sky in late afternoon light.
For the first time in 4 years, Dragon takes to the sky aboard Falcon 9 from the grounds of SLC-40 with its brand new crew access tower for the CRS-30 ISS cargo resupply mission.
📸 - @NASASpaceflight
📺 - youtube.com/live/k3GKF4rjM…
Dragon is back on pad 40!!!!
NASA Set to Launch Four CubeSats to Space Station (https://blogs.nasa.gov/smallsatellites/2024/03/18/nasa-set-to-launch-four-cubesats-to-space-station/)QuoteNASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative is sending a group of four small satellites, called CubeSats, to the International Space Station as ELaNa 51 (Educational Launch of Nanosatellites). These small payloads have been developed by NASA and universities and will be deployed from low Earth orbit.
Once circling Earth, the satellites will help demonstrate and mature technologies meant to improve solar power generation, detect gamma ray bursts, determine crop water usage, and measure root-zone soil and snowpack moisture levels.
The suite of satellites will hitch a ride aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft set to deliver additional science, crew supplies, and hardware for the company’s 30th commercial resupply services mission for NASA. Liftoff is targeted for 4:55 p.m. EDT Thursday, March 21, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
First Cornhusker State CubeSat
The first CubeSat from Nebraska is the Big Red Sat-1, which aims to investigate and improve the power production ability of solar cells. It is built by a team of middle and high school students mentored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate engineering students.
The satellite measuring 1U, or one unit, (about four inches cubed), will test out Perovskite cells, a new type of solar cell designed to enhance power production with and without direct exposure to sunlight. The team will compare the power production to that of typical cells, called gallium arsenide solar cells, also flying on the CubeSat.
Detecting Gamma Ray Bursts
BurstCube is a NASA-developed 6U CubeSat designed to search the sky for brief flashes of high-energy light such as gamma-ray bursts, solar flares, and other hard X-ray transients.
Long and short gamma ray bursts are stellar remnants that can be the result of some of the universe’s most powerful explosions like the collapse or collision of massive stars, or when a neutron star collides with a black hole. BurstCube will use a new kind of compact, low-power silicon photomultiplier array to detect the elusive bursts of light.
With the ability to detect these brief flashes from space, BurstCube can help alert other observatories to witness changes in the universe as they happen. Astronomers can also benefit from the information because these bursts are important sources for gravitational wave discoveries.
Rooting Out Earth Water Sources from Space
The SigNals of Opportunity P-band Investigation, or SNoOPI, is a technology demonstration CubeSat designed to improve the detection of moisture levels on a global scale of underground root-zone and within snowpacks.
Root zone soil moisture and snow water equivalent play critical roles in the hydrologic cycle, impacting agricultural food production, water management, and weather phenomena. When scientists understand the amount of water in the soil, crop growth can be accurately forecasted, and irrigation can become more efficient.
The 6U CubeSat is collaboratively developed by NASA, Purdue University in Indiana, Mississippi State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The fourth in the suite of small satellites, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s HyTI (Hyperspectral Thermal Imager) is also a 6U CubeSat designed to study water sources.
Developed in partnership with NASA to map irrigated and rainfed cropland, HyTI is a pathfinder demonstration that packs the Hyperspectral Imager Instrument, temporal resolution thermal infrared imager focal plane technology, and high-performance onboard computing to help better understand crop water use and water productivity of major world crops.
With these tools, HyTI can help develop a more detailed understanding of the movement, distribution, and availability of water and its variability over time and space, an important contribution to global food and water security issues.
These payloads were selected through NASA’s CSLI, which provides U.S. educational institutions, nonprofits with an education/outreach component, informal educational institutions (museums and science centers), and NASA centers with access to space at a low cost.
Once the CubeSat selections are made, NASA’s Launch Services Program works to pair them with a launch that is best suited to carry them as auxiliary payloads.
Falcon 9 launches Dragon to the @Space_Station from pad 40 in Florida
CelesTrak has GP data for 1 object from the launch (2024-054) of Dragon CRS-30 atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on Mar 21 at 2055 UTC: https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/03/20/live-coverage-spacex-nasa-to-launch-falcon-9-rocket-dragon-spacecraft-from-cape-canaveral-to-the-space-station/. Data for the launch can be found at: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?INTDES=2024-054.
Falcon 9 punches back through the atmosphere with three engines lit as it heads towards Landing Zone 1
About 1730 eastern the crew called down to get the location of the second stage because the deorbit burn was upcoming and they were in the cupola hoping to see it. CAPCOM checked and the answer was that both Dragon and the stage were directly below them, then corrected to below and slightly starboard. The crew response was "we will be directing a Cygnus departure", apparently it was blocking their view. My question, if Dragon and ISS were that close together shortly after launch, why a 2 day approach?
Still a long way below them, with a significantly shorter orbital period. In any rendezvous with ISS the
visiting vehicle will pass directly below ISS once an orbit.
SpaceX lands Falcon 9 rocket in Florida with sonic boom (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/spacex-lands-falcon-9-rocket-in-florida-with-sonic-boom/ar-BB1kj845?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=d647dee40e1a4fa794d1c15219796972&ei=19)That's a truly amazing image and caption: "SpaceX lands Falcon 9 rocket in Florida with sonic boom". Ten Words, three major mistakes:
You call this a Falcon 9?
And people get irate when I tell them I have low confidence in the MSM.
Dragon is now expected to dock at ~7:16 a.m. ET
NOW: See views of Earth from space as the uncrewed @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docks to the @Space_Station to deliver food, supplies, and @ISS_Research for the astronauts aboard.
The @SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft soars 262 miles over China as it approaches the station for docking around 7:16am ET.
spectacular Draco firings
someone at MCC-H read my post and threw a switch so audio is now available :)
The @SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft soars 262 miles over China as it approaches the station for docking around 7:16am ET.
I'll ask this question for maybe the tenth time. Why are the approach ellipsoid and keep out sphere never mentioned during Russian spacecraft operations?
I'll ask again. Why aren't the keep out sphere and approach ellipsoid discussed during Russian vehicle arrivals and departures?
Unsure why you keep bringing this up when it was already answered, to you personally, and with just a quick document search, a while back:Once again, taking bets on how many times the terms "keep out sphere" and "approach ellipsoid" are used during the docking...
I'm quite bemused you keep bringing this up after SpaceX's redenzvous (even when the exact same terminology has been used for ATV, HTV, Cygnus and Dragon-1s for years). Especially when you keep track of ISS comms so thoroughly (thanks for that, by the way).
ISS VVs entering service after 2000 need to comply with the SSP 50808 Intercept Definition Document, where the Regions Around ISS are defined (KOS, AE and comms disk). The publicly-accessible summary explicitly states these divisions and nomenclature do NOT apply to then-legacy systems such as STS, Soyuz, Progress, or (self-propelled) modules. See Section 1.1 (Scope) in the attached doc.
Thanks for the answer. That's all I really wanted. My statement got me, and others who were wondering the same thing, clarification.
Dragon approaches the @Space_Station
CRS-30: CONTACT AND CAPTURE at 7:19am EDT (1119 UTC) as the two spacecraft were passing 262 miles above the southern Atlantic Ocean
The @SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft, loaded with more than 6,000 pounds of new science, food, and supplies, docked to the station’s Harmony module at 7:19am ET. http://go.nasa.gov/3TymDMT
Dragon Spacecraft Docks to Station With New Science, Supplies
While the International Space Station was traveling more than 262 miles over the South Atlantic Ocean, a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft autonomously docked to station’s Harmony module at 7:19 a.m. EDT, with NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara and Michael Barratt monitoring operations from the station.
The Dragon launched on SpaceX’s 30th contracted commercial resupply mission for NASA at 4:55 p.m. EDT, March 21, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. After Dragon spends about one month attached to the space station, the spacecraft will return to Earth with cargo and research.
Among the science experiments Dragon is delivering to the space station are:
Monitoring Sea Ice Thickness and Wave Height
(Nanoracks-Killick-1) is a CubeSat that measures sea ice parameters using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reflectometry or reflected signals. This monitoring system could contribute to a better understanding of important ocean phenomena and improved weather and climate models.
New Sensors for ASTROBEE
The Multi-resolution Scanner (MRS) Payload for the Astrobee (Multi-Resolution Scanning) tests a new set of sensors to support automated 3D sensing, mapping, and situational awareness functions. These systems could support future Gateway and Lunar surface missions by providing automated defect detection, automated and remote maintenance, and autonomous vehicle operations.
Improving Efficiency of Quantum-Dot Solar Cells
The Nano Particle Haloing Suspension payload tests the controlled assembly of nanoparticles in a liquid solution. A process called nanoparticle haloing uses charged nanoparticles to enable precise particle arrangements that improve the efficiency of quantum-dot synthesized solar cells. Conducting these processes in microgravity provides insight into the relationship between shape, charge, concentration, and interaction of particles.
Observing Photosynthesis in Space
Advanced Plant Experiment-09 (APEX-09), also known as C4 Photosynthesis in Space, observes carbon dioxide capture and mechanisms in two types of grasses. Researchers hope to learn more about photosynthesis and plant metabolism changes overall in space. Knowledge gained could support development of bioregenerative life support systems on future missions.
These are just a few of the hundreds of investigations currently being conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Advances in these areas will help keep astronauts healthy during long-duration space travel and demonstrate technologies for future human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis missions and eventually Mars.
Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station and @ISS_Research on X, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
Get weekly updates from NASA Johnson Space Center at: https://roundupreads.jsc.nasa.gov/
Get the latest from NASA delivered every week. Subscribe here: www.nasa.gov/subscribe
Author Abby Graf
Posted on March 23, 2024
Categories Expedition 70
Tags dragon, International Space Station, NASA, SpaceX
The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft docks to the International Space Station’s Harmony module at 7:19 a.m. EDT Saturday, March 23. Credit: NASA TV
Six visiting vehicles. Have there previously been so many?
- Ed Kyle
There will be seven docked Visiting Vehicles when Soyuz MS-25 docks to Prichal on March 25.Six visiting vehicles. Have there previously been so many?Plenty of sixes (usually that's two Progresses, one or two Dragons, a Cygnus, and one or two Soyuzes), but I can't find any sevens.
- Ed Kyle
I'm curious about that Pump Module they mentioned that's going up in the trunk. There are two modules currently installed on the ISS (one for each of the ETCS loops), two unused spares (on ELC-1 and ESP-2), and one degraded unit that was R&Red back in December 2013 (on ELC-2). However, there is a sixth Pump Module - the one that was originally installed in the S1 Truss, which was R&Red in August 2010 and then brought back to Earth on board STS-135. So is this a new unit, or is it a rebuild of the one that previously flew?
Friday, April 26
12:45 p.m.—Undocking coverage of the SpaceX Dragon cargo resupply spacecraft from the International Space Station. Undocking scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
Dragon recovery ship Shannon has departed Port Canaveral and is heading for the Gulf of Mexico in preparation for CRS-30 return and splashdown. 📸 nsf.live/spacecoast
231705Z APR 24
NAVAREA IV 459/24(11).
GULF OF MEXICO.
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS:
A. 271450Z TO 271520Z APR, ALTERNATE
280600Z APR TO 051215Z MAY IN AREA WITHIN
NINE MILES OF 28-51.00N 080-13.80W.
B. 271445Z TO 271515Z APR, ALTERNATE
280605Z APR TO 051210Z MAY IN AREA WITHIN
NINE MILES OF 29-48.00N 080-40.02W.
C. 271440Z TO 271510Z APR, ALTERNATE
280610Z APR TO 051205Z MAY IN AREA WITHIN
NINE MILES OF 30-54.96N 080-15.00W.
D. 270650Z TO 270720Z APR, ALTERNATE
271510Z APR TO 041255Z MAY IN AREA WITHIN
NINE MILES OF 29-42.96N 086-10.80W.
E. 270655Z TO 270725Z APR, ALTERNATE
290610Z APR TO 041300Z MAY IN AREA WITHIN
NINE MILES OF 29-48.00N 087-30.00W.
F. 271505Z TO 271535Z APR, ALTERNATE
280620Z APR TO 041250Z MAY IN AREA WITHIN
NINE MILES OF 29-16.98N 084-12.00W.
G. 271510Z TO 271540Z APR, ALTERNATE
280610Z APR TO 050355Z MAY IN AREA WITHIN
NINE MILES OF 28-06.00N 083-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 051315Z MAY 24.
NGA Space Debris notice for splashdown.
CAPCOM just called up a 1 day delay due to weather
Saturday, April 27
12:45 p.m.—Undocking coverage of the SpaceX Dragon cargo resupply spacecraft from the International Space Station. Undocking scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
242307Z APR 24
NAVAREA IV 468/24(11).
GULF OF MEXICO.
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS:
A. CAPE
280600Z TO 280630Z APR, ALTERNATE
300510Z APR TO 051210Z MAY IN AREA BOUND BY
28-51.00N 080-01.00W, 29-02.00N 080-14.00W,
28-51.00N 080-27.00W, 28-40.00N 080-14.00W.
B. DAYTONA
280605Z TO 280635Z APR, ALTERNATE
281425Z APR TO 051210Z MAY IN AREA BOUND BY
29-48.00N 080-27.00W, 29-59.00N 080-40.00W,
29-48.00N 080-53.00W, 29-37.00N 080-40.00W.
C. JACKSONVILLE
280610Z TO 280640Z APR, ALTERNATE
281415Z APR TO 051205Z MAY IN AREA BOUND BY
30-55.00N 080-02.00W, 31-06.00N 080-15.00W,
30-55.00N 080-28.00W, 30-44.00N 080-15.00W.
D. PANAMA CITY
290605Z TO 290635Z APR, ALTERNATE
300540Z APR TO 041255Z MAY IN AREA BOUND BY
29-54.42N 086-10.98W, 29-42.96N 085-57.84W,
29-31.50N 086-10.98W, 29-42.96N 086-24.12W.
E. TAMPA
280610Z TO 280640Z APR, ALTERNATE
300525Z APR TO 050400Z MAY IN AREA BOUND BY
28-06.00N 083-41.00W, 28-17.00N 083-54.00W,
28-06.00N 084-07.00W, 27-55.00N 083-54.00W.
F. PENSACOLA
290610Z TO 290640Z APR, ALTERNATE
300545Z APR TO 041300Z MAY IN AREA BOUND BY
29-59.00N 087-30.00W, 29-48.00N 087-17.00W,
29-37.00N 087-30.00W, 29-48.00N 087-43.00W.
G. TALLAHASSEE
280620Z TO 280650Z APR, ALTERNATE
300530Z APR TO 041250Z MAY IN AREA BOUND BY
29-28.00N 084-12.00W, 29-17.00N 083-59.00W,
29-06.00N 084-12.00W, 29-17.00N 084-25.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 051310Z MAY 24.
Sunday, April 28
12:45 p.m.—Undocking coverage of the SpaceX Dragon cargo resupply spacecraft from the International Space Station. Undocking scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
Dragon Undocking Targeted for No Earlier Than Sunday
Due to unfavorable weather conditions in the splashdown zones off the coast of Florida, NASA and SpaceX now are targeting no earlier than Sunday, April 28, for the undocking of the Dragon spacecraft from the space-facing port of the International Space Station as part of company’s 30th commercial resupply services mission for the agency.
After 36 days docked to the @space_station, the Dragon spacecraft supporting SpaceX’s 30th commercial resupply mission for @NASA will undock from the orbiting lab on Sunday, April 28th. Watch live beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET → nasa.gov/nasalive
Dragon will undock from the @space_station at 1:10 p.m. ET
Separation confirmed! Dragon is performing three departure burns to move away from the @space_station. Splashdown in ~36 hours on Tuesday, April 30 off the coast of Florida
The @SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft undocked from the station at 1:10pm ET today packed with science for return to Earth early Tuesday. More... https://go.nasa.gov/3xWywF8
Looks like they're using the Tampa splashdown site, going by the effective times on the TFRs. The other Gulf TFRs are valid several hours later on Tuesday morning, and there are no pending Atlantic TFRs.
Dragon is on track to splash down off the coast of Florida in one hour at ~1:40 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 30
Dragon’s deorbit burn is complete and its nosecone is closed. Splashdown in ~35 minutes off the coast of Florida
Drogues deployed
Dragon’s four main parachutes have deployed
Splashdown of Dragon confirmed, completing SpaceX’s 30th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the @space_station!
Once Dragon has been retrieved by SpaceX’s recovery team, the critical science aboard the spacecraft will be transported via helicopter to @NASAKennedy and provided to researchers
The Dragon CRS-30 trunk section, jettisoned into orbit on Apr 30, reentered over Saudi Arabia at 0023 UTC May 13. Debris likely fell in the desert aong a track 100 km west of Riyadh.