NASA astronaut Nick Hague, commander, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who are the two-man Crew-9 mission members, arrived at the launch and landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The pair are staying in the center’s Astronaut Crew Quarters in preparation for their launch international Space Station Mission, scheduled for launch on Thursday, Sept. 26, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC40) at nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The Launch of a manned Space crew from SLC40 marks a significant event not just for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program but also for SpaceX, as it signifies the first crewed mission to utilize the upgraded capabilities of Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
This launch pad, has historically been used for various missions including the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches, but has now been prepared and upgraded to send astronauts into space, symbolizing the evolution of this site from primarily cargo to human spaceflight.
New Horizons for SLC-40
The arrival of the Crew Dragon at Pad 40 for Crew-9 indicates the advancement of SpaceX’s development and space exploration progress with a greater versatility of purpose beyond pure un-manned commercial spce flights such as the recent launch of AST’s Satellite deployments. The Launch Pad’s history, previously known for use in satellite deployments, now expands to include the safe transport and deployment of manned space flights, with all the additional security and safety requirements, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of SpaceX’s infrastructure.
The Crew-9 Mission:
Crew-9, while initially planned for a full crew complement of four, however developments on the International space station has resulted in adjustments due to the problems encountered on the Space Station with Boeing Starliner. The Crew 9 mission will now only launch with two crew members so that they will be able to accommodate the return journey with astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who were unable to return on the Starliner ship due to technical issues and safety concerns.
Innovation in SpaceX Travel:
The use of SLC-40 for a crewed mission points to SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to challenge and innovate previously static developments in space travel.
From Falcon 9’s reusability to the Crew Dragon’s autonomous capabilities, each mission builds on the last, utilising more technology and testing the vast array of SpaceX’s innovative new products.
The recent world first commercial space walk, as an example was a showcase for the new SpaceX space suits, specifically developed and designed for extended space walks and space travel.
The new proprietary laser communications system developed by SpaceX was an additional new system tested on that mission that proved its metal.
Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration is the agenda for Elon Musk as he announced the potential for an unmanned flight to Mars within two-years this past weekend.
Future Implications:
The successful launch and mission of Crew-9 from SLC-40 could set a precedent for future missions, potentially making this site a regular launch pad for manned space travel and an expansion of facilities that in future will enable multiple launched in closer succession.
It is testament to the amazing team at SpaceX who have done more for space travel in the past decade than that achieved in the previously 50 years of space travel.