[ad_1]
SpaceX and NASA are preparing to launch a Dragon cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station on a Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday. Watch the live stream here.
The space exploration company confirmed it would be the first updated cargo version of Dragon to be launched on the ISS. The new and improved Dragon can carry 50% more scientific cargo than the previous version.
SpaceX Launch: Refueling from the International Space Station
Date and time
SpaceX has confirmed that takeoff is scheduled from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on December 5, 2020 at 11:39 am Eastern Standard Time (EST). For SA viewers, it would be 6:39 pm South African Standard Time (SAST).
If you’re watching from other parts of the world, tune in at 8:39 PT (Pacific Time) or 10:39 Central Time (CT) in the US. Alternatively, it would be 5:39 pm British Summer Time (BST).
If you reside in India, prepare for an ISD at 10:09 pm. China, set your alarm at 00:39 CST (Chinese Standard Time) on Sunday, December 6. Spectators from Japan can watch from 1:39 Japan Standard Time (JST).
Those in Australia should be ready at 3:39 am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). New Zealanders, it’s 5:39 NZDT (New Zealand Summer Time).
Watch: SpaceX launch on the ISS
NASA’s televised coverage of the Falcon 9 launch begins at 11:15 am EST (Eastern Standard Time) and 6:15 pm SAST (South African Standard Time) on Saturday, December 5.
SpaceX and NASA mission details
According to SpaceX, the Falcon 9 booster that supports this mission was also launched earlier NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley at the space station in August. It also supported the ANASIS-II mission and a Starlink mission.
NASA said in a statement that this is SpaceX’s first launch under NASA’s second commercial refueling services contract.
Additionally, meteorological officials from the US Air Force’s 45th Space Wing predict a 40% chance of favorable weather conditions for takeoff, with primary concerns revolving around flying through rainfall, cumulus rule, and cloud layer rule thick.
The mission will provide supplies and critical equipment to the International Space Station. The following are included in the delivery:
- Materials for a variety of scientific experiments
- Samples of meteorites and microbes
- 3D engineered heart tissues
- A testing tool for fast and accurate blood testing in microgravity
“The mission represents the first on an upgraded version of the company’s Dragon spacecraft designed to carry more scientific cargoes to and from the space station.”
NASA
[ad_2]
Source link
