#TheWormIsBack and it’s on the @SpaceX spacesuits that @Astro_Doug and @AstroBehnken will be wearing next week for our Demo-2 mission! #LaunchAmerica Check it out:
Here is a side view:
Quote from: Alexphysics on 05/20/2020 08:32 pmSpaceX patch for the mission courtesy of Steve Jurvetsonhttps://twitter.com/futurejurvetson/status/1263203087767834625Quote We are at T-7 days to the first SpaceX astronaut launch!The mystery box arrived today... and a curious peek inside reveals the new mission patch and a swatch of the PTFE space suit fabric. Anticipation...... 🚀 #LaunchAmerica
SpaceX patch for the mission courtesy of Steve Jurvetson
We are at T-7 days to the first SpaceX astronaut launch!The mystery box arrived today... and a curious peek inside reveals the new mission patch and a swatch of the PTFE space suit fabric. Anticipation...... 🚀 #LaunchAmerica
Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 in the hangar at Launch Complex 39A
F9 rolling out to the pad now ahead of static fire.https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/20/falcon-9-crew-dragon-demo-2-launch-preps/
The Falcon 9 with Crew Dragon is going upright at launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center: https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/20/falcon-9-crew-dragon-demo-2-launch-preps/
Happening Now @NASA and @SpaceX managers are gathered at @NASAKennedyfor the #LaunchAmerica Flight Readiness Review. Approximately one hour after the review ends, the agency will hold a news conference on NASA Television: https://go.nasa.gov/3e1r4sY
SpaceX Demo-2: Flight Readiness Review Underway at KennedyNASA and SpaceX managers are gathered at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, with some participating remotely to maintain physical distance, for the Demo-2 Flight Readiness Review (FRR). SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley aboard the company’s Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station. Liftoff is planned for 4:33 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 27, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy. Part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the flight will return human spaceflight to the International Space Station from America for the first time since the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011.Steve Jurczyk, NASA Associate Administrator, is leading the review. The senior SpaceX official in person at the review is Hans Koenigsmann, vice president for Build and Flight Reliability.During the review, NASA and SpaceX personnel will hear presentations from key leaders such as Kathy Lueders, manager for the Commercial Crew Program at NASA, Kirk Shireman, manager for the International Space Station Program at NASA, Joe Petrzelka, the Senior Director of Dragon Engineering at SpaceX, Bala Ramamurthy, the Demo-2 Launch Chief Engineer at SpaceX, and Benji Reed, Director of Crew Mission Management at SpaceX, among others. The review will focus on the readiness of SpaceX’s crew transportation system; the readiness of the station program and its international partners to support the flight; and the certification of flight readiness.Demo-2 will be SpaceX’s final test flight to validate its crew transportation system, including the Crew Dragon, Falcon 9, launch pad and operations capabilities. During the mission, the crew and SpaceX mission controllers will verify the performance of the spacecraft’s environmental control system, displays and control system, maneuvering thrusters, autonomous docking capability, and more. Behnken and Hurley will join the Expedition 63 crew on the station to conduct important research as well as support station operations and maintenance. While docked to the station, the crew will run tests to ensure the Crew Dragon spacecraft is capable on future missions of remaining connected to the station for up to 210 days. The specific duration for this mission will be determined after arrival based on the readiness of the next commercial crew launch. Finally, the mission will conclude with the Crew Dragon undocking from the station, deorbiting and returning Behnken and Hurley to Earth with a safe splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.The FRR is targeted to be completed today, but officials have set aside additional time tomorrow, if needed. Approximately one hour after the review ends, the agency will hold a news conference on NASA Television and online at http://www.nasa.gov/live.
One step closer to launch! 🚀The @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon are now on the launch pad ahead of liftoff, which is slated for May 27 at 4:33 pm ET. The mission will mark the first time astronauts have launched from U.S. soil since 2011: http://go.nasa.gov/3cRWa6p
In this NASA photo, commercial program manager Kathy Lueders signs SpaceX's “Human Rating Certification Package” during today’s Flight Readiness Review.At the end of the FRR, they’ll sign a document known as the CoFR (pronounced “kofer”) — the Certification Of Flight Readiness.
May 21, 2020RELEASE 20-055NASA Invites Public to Be Its Guests to Celebrate Historic ‘Launch America’NASA is inviting the public to help celebrate a historic milestone in human spaceflight as it prepares for #LaunchAmerica – the first flight into orbit of American astronauts on American rockets from American soil since the end of the space shuttle era in 2011.Known as NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight, which is targeted for lift off at 4:33 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 27, this mission will send NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Members of the public can attend the launch virtually, receiving mission updates and opportunities normally received by on-site guests.“Through NASA’s virtual launch experience, we make it possible for more people than ever to watch the beginning of this new era in human spaceflight,” said Bettina Inclán, NASA’s associate administrator for Communications. “We’re already seeing people participate online with the #LaunchAmerica hashtag and helping build the excitement for this historic moment.”To participate, members of the public can register to find a calendar of mission information, mission highlights, and virtual tours. To find out more, visit:https://www.nasa.gov/beourguestDemo-2 will be SpaceX’s second spaceflight test of its Crew Dragon craft and its first test with astronauts aboard. This final test flight prior to NASA certification and will provide data on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, the Crew Dragon and ground systems, as well as in-orbit, docking, and landing operations.The Falcon 9 rocket will launch from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. But, the excitement will be felt across the country and around the world, with virtual launch parties and other events to help usher in this new era of spaceflight as NASA and its commercial partners take the next bold step toward to send the first woman and the next man to the Moon by 2024 as part of the agency’s Artemis program.Live video coverage and countdown commentary begins at 12:15 p.m. May 27. Watch the launch and all prelaunch activities on NASA TV, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin. You also can share reasons you are excited for the launch on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #LaunchAmerica for a chance to be shared on our social media channels.But, before then, there are a lot of other ways people can get involved with this historic mission now. The virtual events taking place include:Virtual NASA SocialFor the first time ever, NASA is hosting a global “NASA Social,” an opportunity for social media users to get a behind the scenes view of the launch – virtually – and a unique way the public can celebrate the return of human spaceflight to American soil.The #LaunchAmerica NASA Social is taking the form of a Facebook group that any social media user can request permission to join by answering a few simple questions and agreeing to adhere to the guidelines of the group. In addition to connecting virtually with a community of people excited about the #LaunchAmerica mission, participants will be able to virtually tour NASA facilities at Kennedy and interact with NASA representatives in real time, as well as virtually view a launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. For more information and to register, visit:https://www.nasa.gov/social/launchamericaNASA STEM EngagementNo matter where you are, you can celebrate this historic milestone with other members of the Artemis Generation. Students can share their excitement with webinars, virtual reality experiences and activities specifically designed for grades K-4 and grades 5-12. These and other exciting resources are available at:https://go.nasa.gov/CCPLaunchKitNASA Television CoverageIn addition to social media coverage, NASA Television will air a number of events leading up to, including, and following the historic launch. Continuous coverage of the mission on all NASA TV channels begins at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 and continue through Crew Dragon’s arrival at the International Space Station on Thursday, May 28, including the subsequent hatch opening and welcoming ceremony.The following events currently are scheduled to air live (all times Eastern). Please check the NASA TV schedule for the latest updates:Wednesday, May 204 p.m. – NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Mission astronaut arrival at Kennedy Space Center media question-and-answer sessionThursday, May 21No earlier than 6 p.m. – Demo-2 post-Flight Readiness Review news conferenceFriday, May 222:15 p.m. – Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley virtual media question-and-answer sessionMonday, May 25No earlier than 6 p.m. – Demo-2 prelaunch news conferenceTuesday, May 2610 a.m. – NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine media availability at Kennedy’s Countdown ClockWednesday, May 27Noon – Live views of the SpaceX/Falcon 9 rocket on Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center12:15 p.m. – Live countdown coverage of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station (launch scheduled at 4:33 p.m.)6 p.m. – Demo-2 postlaunch news conferenceThursday, May 2811:39 a.m. – Docking of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station1:55 p.m. – SpaceX Crew Dragon hatch opening to the International Space Station2:25 p.m. – SpaceX Crew Dragon and International Space Station crew media event aboard the space stationFriday, May 2911:05 a.m. – International Space Station Expedition 63 crew news conference with space station Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA and NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley12:50 p.m. – International Space Station Expedition 63 in-flight event for SpaceX to mark the arrival of the Demo-2 crewThe Demo-2 mission will be the final major step before NASA’s Commercial Crew Program certifies Crew Dragon for operational, long-duration missions to the space station. This certification and regular operation of Crew Dragon will enable NASA to continue the important research and technology investigations taking place onboard the station, which benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future exploration of the Moon and Mars starting with the agency’s Artemis program.Learn more about Artemis and NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach at:https://www.nasa.gov/moontomars-end-Sean PotterHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1536[email protected]Last Updated: May 21, 2020Editor: Katherine Brown
It was awesome to see the Falcon9 and Dragon capsule head to 39A with the @SpaceX team last night. Thanks for sharing the event with us!
Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon are vertical on the launch pad
Flight Readiness Review will NOT conclude today. It will reconvene Friday morning for TBD duration culminating in a press conference on NASA TV:
F9/Demo 2: NASA's flight readiness review, a deep dive into the status of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule scheduled for launch Wednesday with two astronauts aboard, will extend into Friday; today’s meeting adjourned just before 5:30pm; will resume at 8am Friday
F9/Demo 2: This is not an indicator of unexpected problems, but more a reflection of the sheer amount of work to review on the eve of NASA's first piloted launch from US soil in nearly 9 years; NASA plans a post-FRR briefing on NASA TV whenever the review concludes
NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Flight Readiness Review to Conclude on FridayToday the SpaceX, commercial crew and space station communities held thorough discussions about requirements for NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 flight test, but still have a few topics remaining for discussion during the Flight Readiness Review and will continue those on Friday. Agency and SpaceX managers gathered at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to focus on the readiness of the Crew Dragon and systems for the Demo-2 mission; the readiness of the International Space Station Program and its international partners to support the flight; and the certification of flight readiness.Approximately one hour after the review ends Friday, the agency will hold a news conference on NASA Television and online at http://www.nasa.gov/live.NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will participate in a virtual media engagement at 2:15 p.m. Friday from Astronaut Crew Quarters at Kennedy, answering questions about their upcoming launch.SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Behnken and Hurley to the International Space Station aboard the company’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. Liftoff is planned for 4:33 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 27, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy. Part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the flight will return human spaceflight capability to America for the first time since the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011.Author Anna HeineyPosted on May 21, 2020
