The earliest possible chance for NASAs SpaceX Crew-3 launch is 9:51 p.m. EST Monday, November 8, if mission groups do not pursue Crew-2 return on Sunday, November 7 or Monday. November 8.
Objective groups will make a final decision on whether to prioritize Crew-3s launch or Crew-2s return in the coming days based upon the possibility of favorable conditions for a Crew Dragon splashdown or Crew Dragon launch. NASA and SpaceX likewise are evaluating the time needed between launch or return operations.
NASA and SpaceX are forgoing launch opportunities Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7, due to unfavorable weather. Weather officials with the 45th Weather Squadron anticipated just a 40% opportunity of favorable launch weather on Saturday, November 6, with the main concerns focusing on liftoff winds, cumulus clouds, and surface area electric field restrictions. The down range weather condition likewise is not appropriate on Sunday, November 7 due to dangers connected with launch abort websites up the eastern coast.
Mission teams still are keeping track of climate condition for a launch effort on Monday, November 8. The primary operational concern is strong winds at the pad and unfavorable conditions down range.
” These are dynamic and intricate decisions that alter day by day,” said Steve Stich, NASAs Commercial Crew Program supervisor. “The weather condition in November can be particularly tough, so our objective is to move forward on the strategy with the highest possibility of objective assurance and crew security.”
NASAs SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts take part in a countdown gown wedding rehearsal at the firms Kennedy Space Center in Florida on October 28, 2021, to prepare for the upcoming Crew-3 launch. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
The agency continues to keep track of a small medical issue involving among the Crew-3 astronauts, which is expected to be clear previous to release.
The Crew-3 flight will carry NASA astronauts Raja Chari, objective commander; Tom Marshburn, pilot; and Kayla Barron, objective specialist; in addition to ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer, also an objective specialist, to the space station for a six-month science mission, remaining aboard up until about late April 2022.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket are in great shape and will stay at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space.
The Crew-2 flight will return to Earth with NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet. Team 2s Dragon undocking depends upon a variety of elements, consisting of vehicle preparedness, healing group readiness, weather condition, sea states, and other aspects.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft is capable of remaining in orbit for at least 210 days as a NASA requirement. Additional analysis might enable the spacecraft to stay in orbit for longer, if necessary. Crew Dragon Endeavour stays healthy while presently docked to the area station.
Teams are reviewing all options for safely introducing and returning team members to continue the firms important deal with the International Space Station. Upgraded Crew-3 launch and Crew-2 return timelines will be provided in the coming days.
NASAs SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts Shane Kimbrough (2nd from left), Thomas Pesquet (middle), Akihiko Hoshide (second from right), and Megan McArthur (far best) are photographed aboard the International Space Station, just prior to they prepare to sample newly gathered mild heat chile peppers on October 29, 2021. At far left is NASA astronaut and Expedition 66 flight engineer Mark Vande Hei, who will stay at the station to welcome NASAs SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts when they show up. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is vertical with the Crew Dragon atop for the Crew-3 mission at Launch Pad 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on October 27, 2021. NASA and SpaceX are giving up launch chances Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7, due to undesirable weather conditions. The Crew Dragon spacecraft is capable of staying in orbit for at least 210 days as a NASA requirement.
NASAs SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts Shane Kimbrough (second from left), Thomas Pesquet (middle), Akihiko Hoshide (2nd from right), and Megan McArthur (far best) are photographed aboard the International Space Station, simply before they prepare to sample freshly gathered mild heat chile peppers on October 29, 2021. At far left is NASA astronaut and Expedition 66 flight engineer Mark Vande Hei, who will stay at the station to invite NASAs SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts when they show up.
NASA and SpaceX continue to review launch and return opportunities for the upcoming team rotation flights to and from the International Space Station as part of the companys Commercial Crew Program.
Mission groups now are thinking about whether to return the agencys SpaceX Crew-2 objective from the area station ahead of launching the next team rotation due to the associated weather considerations for both launch and healing operations.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is vertical with the Crew Dragon atop for the Crew-3 mission at Launch Pad 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on October 27, 2021. In view is the crew access arm. Credit: SpaceX
The earliest possible chance for Crew-2 undocking from the area station is at 1:05 p.m. EST Sunday, November 7, to start the return journey to Earth for splashdown off the coast of Florida. A back-up undocking opportunity also is available Monday, November 8.