Nasa spacex crew 7 launch

SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA

SpaceX Successfully Launches Multinational Astronaut Crew to International Space Station

In the early hours of August 26, a diverse team of astronauts from various countries was propelled toward the International Space Station (ISS) by SpaceX's latest mission. The crew of four, known as Crew-7, embarked on their journey aboard a brand-new SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, departing from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The liftoff occurred precisely at 3:27 a.m. EDT (0727 GMT).

The astronauts of Crew-7 will travel in the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule named "Endurance," undertaking a voyage lasting nearly 30 hours to reach the ISS. Their anticipated arrival at the orbital laboratory is scheduled for Sunday morning, August 27. Upon arrival, the team will begin a six-month period of engaging in scientific research and conducting station maintenance as part of Expeditions 69 and 70.

nasa spacex crew 7 launch

Commander Jasmin Moghbeli, leading the Crew-7 mission, expressed her gratitude to SpaceX for the remarkable launch. She highlighted the international collaboration, stating, "We may have four crewmembers on board from four different nations, Denmark, Japan, Russia, and the United States, but we're a united team with a common mission."

The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage ceased operation and separated from the upper stage approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds into the launch. The booster executed a boost-back engine maneuver, successfully returning to Earth. Approximately 7.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9's first stage touched down at SpaceX's Landing Zone-1, situated adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

nasa spacex crew 7 launch

While this particular booster experienced its inaugural launch and landing, the Crew Dragon capsule "Endurance" is a seasoned space traveler. It previously participated in SpaceX's Crew-3 and Crew-5 missions to the ISS. Although a minor nitrogen tetroxide leak was detected during the countdown, SpaceX engineers addressed the issue, resolving it just two minutes before liftoff.

The Crew-7 crew members represent four different space agencies. NASA's Jasmin Moghbeli commands the mission, marking her maiden spaceflight. This mission also boasts notable achievements, including Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen serving as the pilot—a first for the European Space Agency (ESA) in a Dragon crew role. Satoshi Furukawa from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Konstantin Borisov from the Russian space agency Roscosmos join the team as mission specialists.

In a light-hearted touch, the crew selected a small plush three-toed sloth as their zero-gravity indicator and mascot for the mission. Chosen by Andreas Mogensen's family, the sloth symbolizes his reputation as the slowest member when leaving home.

The quartet of astronauts embarking on SpaceX's Crew-7 mission for NASA bid their farewells with waves as they exit the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. Their destination is Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where liftoff is scheduled for August 26, 2023. The crew members, shown from left to right in the image, include Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov of Russia, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa. Leading the crew is Commander Jasmin Moghbeli. (Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

This marks SpaceX's eighth astronaut mission for NASA, comprising seven operational flights and one crewed test flight. Overall, it stands as the company's 11th crewed mission. Notably, SpaceX has executed three private crewed flights, two of which included visits to the International Space Station (ISS).

Expected to dock at the ISS on Sunday at 8:50 a.m. EDT (1250 GMT), the Crew-7 mission represents a significant milestone. The event can be observed on Space.com. The "Endurance" Crew Dragon capsule will rendezvous with another Crew Dragon already stationed at the orbiting laboratory—dubbed "Endeavour." Although Endeavour reached the ISS in early March, preparations are underway for its departure.

nasa spacex crew 7 launch

Joel Montalbano, manager of NASA's ISS Program, emphasized the timeline during a press conference discussing the Crew-7 flight readiness review. He stated, "The Crew-6 undock will be five days after this vehicle is there. That's enough time for a good handover between the two crews and such that the Crew-7 guys are ready to rock and roll."

nasa spacex crew 7 launch

Ken Bowersox, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate chief, echoed this sentiment during the same briefing, emphasizing the station's bustling activity. As the continuous human presence on the ISS approaches its 23rd year, he stated, "The space station is as busy as ever, as we approach our 23rd year of continuous human presence with our international partners."