SpaceX to launch NASA atronauts from US for the first time since 2011. SPaceX preparing themself for Wednesday Demo 2 mission. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will transport astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to International Space Stationon this mission.
Both astronauts are scheduled to launch at 4:33 pm DT from launch pad 39A of the Kenenedy Space Center in Florida.
This is a historic launch as it is the first time a private company sends astronauts into orbit rather than a national government.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said he texted the two astronauts Monday and told them, “`If you want me to stop this thing for any reason, say so. I will stop it in a heartbeat if you want me to.’ They both came back and they said, ‘We’re go for launch’.”
“Team is performing additional pre-flight checkouts of Falcon 9, Crew Dragon, and the ground support system ahead of tomorrow’s Demo-2 mission,” SpaceX tweeted earlier Tuesday. The weather forecast for launch is 60 percent favorable, SpaceX added.
“Dragon Dawn,” tweeted SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, with a time-lapse video of Crew Dragon on the launch pad next to the access arm that Hurley and Behnken will use to board the spacecraft.
