Here's why the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Demo-2 launch is so exciting, plus everything you need to know to watch.
Approx. 775 words; 3 minutes read time
This coming Wednesday, May 27th, 2020, history happens.
SpaceX and NASA will launch the first US-based crewed mission since the Shuttle retired in 2011. In the nine years since we've relied on the Russian Space Program to carry US astronauts back and forth. These trips aboard the Soyuz spacecraft cost the US $86 million per flight. With Wednesday's launch, we bid farewell to US dependence on Russia in space. And we say hello to a new era in space exploration.
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Lifting off from Kenedy Space Center in Florida - from US soil - astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken will blast into history. They do so aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft; the first-ever commercial crewed spaceflight.
Having the US return to crewed space travel signals our best chance back to the moon, on to Mars, and beyond. The idea is to let commercial ventures take care of the trip to and from orbit; NASA will then focus on getting us into deep space. Yes, the New Space Race is upon us, and SpaceX is way out front.
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Wednesday’s launch is a big deal for the US. And it's a massive deal for humanity too. I, for one, couldn't be more excited.
I love space exploration. The US has been in orbit my entire life, having been born after the Apollo missions in the 60s and 70s. But the stories are such a part of US History that I feel as if I was there. And I was there for many of the Space Shuttle launches as an 80s kid.
We'd stop everything in school to watch the Space Shuttle blast off or land. So when the last Shuttle retired in 2011, I was sad. And I also felt a little trapped. For the first time, we had to rely on Russia to get into and out of space. The idea of it made me uncomfortable, and I'm only a bystander.
To recap why Demo-2 is such a monumental event:
It's a return to US-based crewed space missions.
It's the first-ever commercial crewed space mission.
The event signals a new era of US space exploration.
Прощай россия (Goodbye Russia).
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Have I convinced you to clear your calendars to watch all the happenings on May 27th? If so, then here's my simple guide to follow and appreciate this historic event.
Who: America, that's who! The launch is a joint US Government (NASA) - SpaceX mission. Astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken, chosen by NASA, will crew this sortie. Hurley and Behnken are longtime friends, colleagues, and accomplished US astronauts. Each has been on three separate missions to space. Hurley was the pilot of the final shuttle mission in July 2011, so it's fitting to have him lead this next chapter.
What: Years of SpaceX/NASA research and development culminate this Wednesday. Known as Demo-2, SpaceX will launch it's first crewed mission aboard Crew Dragon. SpaceX has already conducted several cargo missions to the ISS via Dragon. Now it's time to ferry people. The Crew Dragon will dock with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the mission.
When: Launch is at 4:33 PM ET, Wednesday, May 27th, 2020. Countdown coverage begins at noon ET.
Where: Demo-2 blasts off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA, at historic Launch Complex 39A (where the Apollo program and many Shuttle missions originated).
Why: Demo-2 is technically a "test mission." As stated, it's the first crewed mission aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon-Falcon 9 system. The two-person crew will examine operations throughout the launch, orbit, docking, and reentry. This last part, the safe return, will be when we all have a sigh of relief.
How (to watch): NASA TV, how else? The free app is available for Android, iOS, and smart TV/streaming devices. Check with your preferred service for details. You can also watch from your computer at nasa.gov.
NASA and SpaceX are using the hashtag #LaunchAmerica to promote the upcoming mission. You can use this hashtag to follow along on Twitter and other social media on launch day.
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Will you be watching and Tweeting along with others this Wednesday? If so, remember to tweet #LaunchAmerica. And let me know @SciFiCreate.
T minus five days and counting. Godspeed Crew Dragon Demo-2. And Happy Launch Day, everyone.
Enjoy history in the making! Science. Fiction. Create.
JRC