Ever since we began colonizing the Earth, we have been fantasized by the skies. Throughout our history as a race, we have been attempting to make sense of our skies and understand why the world is the way it is. This culminated with the Space Race that saw the USSR and US fight for supremacy when it came to interstellar travel and exploration. With science and technology progressing even further, the race to identify the secrets of our universe has only gotten more competitive. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is one of the largest private players in the field of space exploration, and they have recently released some exciting news. Here’s a look at what NASA and SpaceX had to say and what impact it will have on the space industry.
Taking to the Skies
NASA and SpaceX have released a statement which states that they are planning to launch their first manned flight somewhere between mid and late May. This comes as a surprise as most experts had felt that the COVID-19 would push dates further back. However, both NASA and SpaceX have issued a media invite on Wednesday regarding their Demo-2 launch. This will be the world’s first commercial manned crew launch into space. The invite has also specified a time frame that says that the mission will be completed by no later than mid-May, much to the excitement of fans from all over the world.
While reports which came out in January had stated that the launch would occur sometime in May or late April, people had expected the Coronavirus to have changed this date. With production facilities having been hit due to the virus, most experts were expecting a shift in dates. While SpaceX started early, readying their Crew Dragon spacecraft for the mission, NASA had to make a few changes in the mission parameters. These changes include a longer stay for the crew at the International Space Station. The crew consists of experienced astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley.
Universal Collaboration
SpaceX will be the world’s first private company to launch a manned space mission, and NASA is helping the company ready their team and machinery. The conveyance of astronauts from and to the International Space Station occurs successfully thanks to a partnership with the Roscosmos agency. This Russian initiative makes use of the Soyuz spacecraft to fly astronauts for ISS. While people were expecting a change in dates, this confirmation from NASA has proven that the mission is still very much on. Furthermore, NASA has moved facilities into Stage 3, meaning that their employees will be on telework unless specifically required at their facilities physically for any mission-related work. Meanwhile, their Ames facility has been taken up to Stage 4, due to California county implementing a shelter-in-place order. This essentially means that the facility is temporarily closed with all personnel working from their homes via telework.
In the new invite which came out yesterday, NASA has stated that they will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will keep communicating updates as and when required. Reports also state that the organization is doing everything it can protect Hurley and Behnken by following standard isolation procedures so that they don’t get sick before the flight.
Brighter Future
This will be the first crewed launch from US soil to the International Space Station ever since 2011. SpaceX will reportedly be using the Falcon 9 rocket to transport astronauts Behnken and Hurley as it tries its level best to cut unnecessary costs. In March, the Crew Dragon had circumnavigated the ISS, almost 400 kilometers above the Earth. However, the capsule contained only a mannequin inside and returned to the Atlantic after spending six days in space. Ever since, 2011 Americans have not launched any manned missions, with Russians handling most of the manned flights. This will be changed by this joint venture between SpaceX and NASA. SpaceX has made over 15 trips to the ISS for refueling the station ever since 2012. However, SpaceX is not the only private company that is helping NASA with space exploration, because even Boeing is developing their Starliner capsule, after having won a contract. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with Dragon spacecraft onboard. If the Demo-2 launch proves to be successful, SpaceX will become officially certified to launch people into space.
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.