Expedition 68 - NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 Flight Day 1 Highlights - Oct. 5, 2022

NASA Video32 minutes read

NASA and SpaceX launch Crew 5 with astronauts like Nicole Mann and Josh Cassida, experiencing delays due to Hurricane Ian. The crew successfully boards Crew Dragon, with SpaceX handling the tradition of signatures and reaching orbit after a smooth ride, reflecting on scientific concepts during their journey.

Insights

  • Crew 5, including astronauts like Nicole Mann and Josh Cassida, faced delays due to Hurricane Ian but followed a meticulous process from suiting up in "space Tuxedos" to boarding the spacecraft with signatures on the NASA meatball, showcasing the precision and tradition ingrained in space missions.
  • The Crew Dragon's journey, marking its 10th year in flight, highlights SpaceX's consistent crew missions for NASA every six months since 2020, emphasizing the evolution from cargo to crew flights and the successful landing of the Falcon 9 booster on a drone ship, underscoring the technological advancements and achievements in space exploration.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the Crew 5 launch at Kennedy Space Center?

    The Crew 5 launch at Kennedy Space Center aims to send astronauts to space aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

  • How do astronauts prepare for launch at Kennedy Space Center?

    Astronauts at Kennedy Space Center prepare for launch by suiting up in custom flight suits, boarding the spacecraft, and securing themselves with harnesses.

  • What traditions are observed by astronauts before boarding the spacecraft?

    Before boarding the spacecraft, astronauts at Kennedy Space Center sign their signatures on the NASA meatball in the white room using a Sharpie, a tradition for launch operations.

  • What safety measures are in place for emergency situations during launch?

    During launch at Kennedy Space Center, chevrons point towards slide wire baskets for emergency egress off the pad surface, a legacy item from the shuttle program, ensuring safety in case of emergencies.

  • How does the Crew Dragon spacecraft ensure a safe journey for astronauts?

    The Crew Dragon spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center is fully fueled, with astronauts secured in their seats and the vehicle on internal power, ensuring a safe journey to orbit and back to Earth.

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Summary

00:00

NASA and SpaceX Crew 5 Launch Coverage

  • Live coverage of NASA and SpaceX's launch of Crew 5 at Kennedy Space Center.
  • Astronaut Bob Binkin, part of historic flight, provides launch commentary.
  • Crew 5 suited up in custom flight suits, referred to as "space Tuxedos."
  • Crew 5 astronauts, including Nicole Mann and Josh Cassida, head to the pad.
  • Crew takes a moment with family before heading to the launch pad.
  • Crew 5 launch delayed due to Hurricane Ian passing through Kennedy Space Center.
  • Crew drives to the launch pad, passing through security checkpoints.
  • Crew boards the elevator to the launch tower, following a well-choreographed sequence.
  • Crew members, including Nicole and Josh, pause to view the rocket before boarding.
  • Crew boards the spacecraft in sequence, following procedural checklists.

16:19

"SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch Operations Overview"

  • Chevrons point towards slide wire baskets for emergency egress off the pad surface, a legacy item from the shuttle program.
  • Astronauts Josh Cassada and Commander Nicole Mann board Crew Dragon, signing their signatures on the NASA meatball in the white room.
  • SpaceX tech hands them a Sharpie for the signature, a tradition for launch operations.
  • Astronaut Koichi Wakata joins the crew in the white room, a veteran of space missions.
  • Crew members secure themselves with a five-point harness in their seats, ensuring a snug fit for launch.
  • Spacesuits are worn during ascent to protect against cabin depressurization, providing a habitable environment if needed.
  • Dragon marks its 10th year in operational flight, evolving from cargo missions to crew flights.
  • SpaceX has been flying crew missions for NASA every six months since Demo-2 in 2020.
  • Dragon is fully fueled and ready for launch, with the crew in their seats and the vehicle on internal power.
  • First stage lands on a drone ship after separation, while the second stage continues to carry the crew to orbit.

37:10

"Dragon Re-entry and Crew Gratitude"

  • Re-entry burn initiated with three Merlin engines to slow booster down as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere, followed by entry burn shutdown over the U.S. Northeastern Seaboard and Atlantic off Scotland.
  • Crew and Dragon traveling over 13,000 miles per hour towards final abort zone in Shannon, Ireland, with confirmation of good orbit and successful Falcon 9 landing on drone ship off Florida coast.
  • Dragon separation confirmed, crew expressing gratitude for smooth ride and training, with mention of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity and the concept of free fall in space.
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