SpaceX’s upcoming robotic cargo mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been given the green light for launch on November 9th, according to the latest reports. The mission, named CRS-29, will see a Dragon capsule making its way to the ISS, carrying over 6,500 pounds of supplies and scientific hardware.
NASA and SpaceX teams recently completed a launch readiness review, ensuring that all systems and procedures are in place for a successful liftoff. The Dragon will soar into space atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with liftoff scheduled for 8:28 p.m. EST.
The weather conditions are predicted to be favorable, with a 95% chance of liftoff. This will come as good news for NASA and SpaceX, as the launch was rescheduled multiple times due to prelaunch processing and an issue with one of the Dragon’s Draco thrusters.
The Dragon is set to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, November 11th, around 5:20 a.m. EST. This marks the 29th robotic resupply mission that SpaceX has undertaken for NASA. The cargo it carries includes NASA’s AWE and ILLUMA-T experiments.
AWE aims to study gravity waves in Earth’s atmosphere, while ILLUMA-T will test high-speed communications in collaboration with NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) mission. Together, ILLUMA-T and LCRD will create NASA’s first two-way laser communications relay system.
Aside from these important experiments, the Dragon will also bring a variety of food for the crew on the ISS. This includes seasonal specialties, giving the astronauts a taste of home during their mission.
One unique aspect of the Dragon capsule is its ability to return to Earth with cargo. Following its time on the ISS, the Dragon will come back with approximately 3,800 pounds of supplies and equipment.
With the launch finally confirmed, space enthusiasts and scientists alike are eagerly awaiting the results and data that will be gathered during this mission.
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