[ad_1]
Preparing for SpaceX’s Axiom-2 Crewed Mission Launch
Excitement is building as SpaceX gears up to launch a Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule with a crew of four private astronauts from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The following are important details to note for the planned May 21 launch:
The Scheduled Liftoff
The launch is slated for 5:37 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 21, from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. If you’re a space enthusiast, you can catch FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team live launch coverage that begins 90 minutes before liftoff at https://www.floridatoday.com/space/.
Weather Forecast
According to forecasters, there is a 60% chance of “go” conditions at the pad.
Landing
Following the launch, approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster will target a landing back at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Landing Zone 1, which will likely generate a sonic boom.
Axiom-2 Crewed Mission
This is the second all-private crewed mission to the International Space Station for Houston-based Axiom Space, and NASA has contracted it. The journey is expected to last about ten days, with eight docked to the International Space Station, while two days are for traveling.
Location of Splashdown
After undocking, the crew will return to Earth for a splashdown landing at a site off the coast of Florida, either in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. This decision is contingent on the weather.
Mission Commander
Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who is currently the Axiom Space director of human spaceflight, will command the Axiom-2 crewed mission.
Team Composition
Whitson is joined by one private spaceflight participant and two government-sponsored astronauts:
– Mission Pilot John Shoffner
– Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, the second and third Saudi citizens to fly to space and the first to visit the International Space Station, and the first Saudi Arabian government-sponsored astronauts.
SpaceX Crew Dragon “Freedom” Capsule
The four private astronauts will launch aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon “Freedom” capsule, which was named by NASA astronauts in April 2022 during the Crew-4 mission.
Conclusion
With the SpaceX launch only a few days away, preparation and anticipation are reaching a fever pitch. The above details will be helpful for enthusiasts who want to be abreast of every detail as we take one step closer to the future of space travel.
FAQ
What is SpaceX’s Axiom-2 mission?
SpaceX’s Axiom-2 is the second all-private crewed mission to the International Space Station for Houston-based Axiom Space. It is contracted with NASA.
What is the scheduled liftoff time for the mission?
The launch is scheduled for May 21 at 5:37 p.m. EDT from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Who is commanding the mission?
Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the Axiom-2 crewed mission.
What is the composition of the team?
Whitson is joined by one private spaceflight participant and two government-sponsored astronauts: Mission Pilot John Shoffner and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi.
What is the duration of the mission?
The mission is expected to last about ten days. Eight days will be spent docked to the International Space Station, while two days are for traveling.
What is the capsule carrying the astronauts?
The four private astronauts will launch aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon “Freedom” capsule, which was named by NASA astronauts in April 2022 during the Crew-4 mission.
[ad_2]
For more information, please refer this link