May 17, 2024

Liftoff! Dragon Safely on Its Way To Space Station for NASA’s SpaceX Mission

NASA Sending Important Science to the Space Station
The mission is bring scientific research study, technology demonstrations, crew materials, and hardware to the International Space Station to support its Expedition 70 team, consisting of NASAs ILLUMA-T (Integrated Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) and AWE (Atmospheric Waves Experiment).

SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the companys Dragon spacecraft, takes off the pad at Kennedy Space Centers Launch Complex 39A in Florida on Thursday, November 9. Credit: NASA
SpaceXs Dragon has actually released on a resupply mission to the ISS, bring clinical experiments, crew supplies, and a range of food items.
SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft– bring about 6,500 pounds of vital science, hardware, and team supplies– is on its way to the International Space Station following a successful launch from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket raised off from Launch Complex 39A at 8:28 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 9, beginning the Dragon spacecrafts approximately 33-hour trip to the ISS for NASA
The mission SpaceXs 29th resupply services objective for NASA to the orbiting laboratory. It also marks the ninth flight on the Commercial Resupply Services-2 SpaceX contract and the 2nd flight of this Dragon, which formerly flew on NASAs SpaceX 26th resupply services mission.

When set up on the stations exterior, ILLUMA-T intends to test high information rate laser communications from the spaceport station to Earth. The system uses unnoticeable infrared light to send out and get details at higher information rates than traditional radio frequency systems. Collaborating, ILLUMA-T and the firms Laser Communications Relay Demonstration, presently in orbit around Earth, will complete NASAs first two-way laser communications relay system.
Likewise to be installed on the stations exterior, AWE will use an infrared imaging instrument to determine the attributes, circulation, and movement of atmospheric gravity waves, which roll through the Earths environment when air is disrupted. Scientists also are looking at how these waves contribute to space weather, which affects ground-based and space-based communications, navigation, and tracking systems. Increased insight into atmospheric gravity waves might enhance understanding of Earths climate, environment, and weather condition and development of methods to mitigate the results of area weather condition.

The very first phase separates from the automobile during NASAs SpaceX 29th business resupply services mission launch on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Credit: NASA.
Dragon now is securely in orbit, and its solar ranges have actually released. A series of thruster shootings will assist Dragon reach the area station at roughly 5:20 a.m. on Saturday, November 11. Upon its arrival, it will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the stations Harmony module, with NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral OHara monitoring operations.

SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft is packed with more than 6,500 pounds of science, devices, and supplies bound for the International Space Station. Credit: NASA
Foods Launching on NASAs SpaceX CRS-29 Mission
Hey, its not all innovation, science, and research. The team aboard the International Space Station also needs to consume! Here is a list of foods launching on NASAs SpaceX 29th Commercial Resupply Services objective:

1 fresh food package, which will consist of citrus, apples, cherry tomatoes, and other products
2 cheese cold stowage sets, consisting of Parmesan, Romano, cheddar, Asiago, and Gruyere
1 holiday bulk overwrap bag, including holiday treats such as chocolate, pumpkin spice cappuccino, rice cake, mochi, turkey, duck, cranberry, quail, and seafood sauce
1 rack stable food package, including pizza kits, hummus, salsa, and olives
99 bulk overwrap bags of basic menu and team preferences

The spacecraft is expected to spend about one month connected to the orbiting laboratory before it goes back to Earth with research study and about 3,800 pounds of return freight, splashing down off the coast of Florida.

A series of thruster firings will assist Dragon reach the area station at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Saturday, November 11. Upon its arrival, it will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the stations Harmony module, with NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral OHara keeping an eye on operations.

Once installed on the stations exterior, ILLUMA-T intends to evaluate high information rate laser interactions from the area station to Earth. Working together, ILLUMA-T and the agencys Laser Communications Relay Demonstration, currently in orbit around Earth, will complete NASAs very first two-way laser communications relay system.
Here is a list of foods releasing on NASAs SpaceX 29th Commercial Resupply Services objective: