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SpaceX Astronaut Launch: Cape Canaveral, Florida | May 30th, 2020

Bloomberg Originals・142 minutes read

SpaceX and NASA's Demo-2 mission successfully launched astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station from US soil for the first time since 2011, marking a historic milestone in space exploration. The mission, which included thorough checks, communication tests, and propellant loading, symbolizes a new era of collaboration and advancement in crewed missions, with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Insights

SpaceX and NASA's Demo-2 mission marks the return of American astronauts launching from US soil to the International Space Station since 2011, showcasing a significant milestone in space exploration.
The white room, where astronauts board Dragon, is a crucial space that ensures environmental control, emergency tools, and cargo completion, providing a safe and efficient boarding process.
Dragon's autonomous docking system, using GPS sensors and cameras, facilitates flawless spacecraft guidance to the docking target, enhancing the reliability and safety of crewed missions.
Crew members Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley undergo thorough communication checks with ground stations and the SpaceX team to ensure all systems are functioning correctly for the mission to the International Space Station.
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, designed for reusability and equipped with touchscreen technology, symbolizes a step towards making space travel more accessible to the general public, inspiring future generations and fostering new traditions in space exploration.

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Recent questions

What is the purpose of the Demo-2 mission?
To send astronauts to the International Space Station.
How does the Crew Dragon spacecraft ensure crew safety?
Through the Super Draco launch escape system.
What are the key features of the Crew Dragon spacecraft?
Fully autonomous with modular seats and touchscreen displays.
How does SpaceX aim to make space travel accessible?
By reducing costs and increasing reliability.
What is the significance of the Demo-2 mission for space exploration?
Marks a new era of American spaceflight.

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Summary

00:00

SpaceX and NASA launch Demo-2 mission

The mission known as demonstration mission two (Demo-2) by SpaceX and NASA is sending astronauts Bob Bankin and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station from US soil for the first time since 2011.
The astronauts arrived at pad 39a where Falcon 9 will lift off at 3:22 p.m. Eastern Time, having ascended the fixed service structure and walked down the crew arm to the white room, the final stop before boarding Dragon.
The white room, where astronauts board Dragon, is environmentally controlled to keep out dust and humidity, with tools for emergencies and cargo load completion.
Inside the white room, a movable platform extends to the capsule for smoother boarding, and the crew undergoes a final brief before ingress, the term for boarding Dragon.
Ingress involves buckling in, attaching umbilicals to suits, and the crew's seats being rotated for launch position, with displays above them for system control.
Dragon's reusability improves reliability through detailed inspections and design changes, enhancing safety for crewed missions.
Dragon's autonomous docking system uses GPS sensors, cameras, and lidar to guide the spacecraft to the docking target flawlessly.
Bob and Doug conduct communication checks with ground stations and the SpaceX team using the tracking and data relay satellites and ground stations worldwide.
The communication checks ensure all systems, including suits and spacecraft, are functioning correctly for the mission to the International Space Station.
The crew will continue with pre-launch preparations, including final checkouts and propellant load, as they await the launch of Falcon 9 with Dragon to the space station.

15:54

NASA Capcom oversees astronaut communication and readiness.

The Crew Operations Responsible Engineer at NASA, also known as the Capcom, is based in Hawthorne, California and communicates with astronauts during their flight.
Communication checks were successfully completed, with Dragon and SpaceX confirming readiness for seat rotation.
Doug Hurley used a talk button built into his seat during communication checks, showcasing the integration of systems within the spacecraft.
Dragon's cleanroom is located on the main floor of the building in Hawthorne, allowing employees to witness final processing before the spacecraft's launch.
The Crew-1 capsule underwent final propulsion checks in a separate facility before returning for thermal protection system installation.
The spacecraft's construction is a step-by-step process, with critical functions assigned to each piece, gradually building the entire spacecraft.
Bob and Doug's seats rotated to launch position, aligning their backs parallel to the ground for easier g-force handling and direct touchscreen access.
Flight controllers in Houston confirmed readiness for Dragon's arrival at the International Space Station, with preparations completed by Chris Cassidy.
Online viewership for the launch exceeded 1.1 million, with Columbia, South Carolina leading in viewership and California having the most launch mentions.
NASA Administrator and Kennedy Space Center Director discussed weather conditions and astronaut readiness, highlighting the importance of positive attitudes and preparedness for launch.

30:48

Commercial Crew: Astronauts, Training, and Missions

The astronaut corps includes chemists and botanists, but for test flights, experienced test pilots like Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are essential.
Kennedy Space Center transitioned from the shuttle program to Commercial Crew, aiming to establish a multi-user spaceport supporting government and commercial operations.
The goal is to create a commercial environment in low-earth orbit to focus on exploring beyond Earth, including the moon and Mars.
President Trump visited the Kennedy Space Center, signing hardware for the Artemis program, emphasizing bipartisan support for space exploration.
NASA's budget has increased under President Trump, supporting space exploration and the Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon, including the first woman.
Preparation is crucial for astronauts going to space, with extensive training and ground support ensuring confidence and safety during missions.
Operations between liftoff and docking with the International Space Station include burns to align with the station, rest, eating, manual spacecraft maneuvers, and automatic docking.
The crew dragon features windows symbolizing its evolution from cargo to crewed missions, with touchscreen technology enhancing efficiency and functionality.
The hatch closure for the crew dragon was ahead of schedule, with weather conditions being monitored closely before prop load for the Falcon 9 rocket.
The Falcon 9 and crew dragon are in good health, with a focus on weather conditions before proceeding with prop load for the launch.

45:43

"Space Launch: History, Innovation, Partnerships"

Tablets are used inside for missions in orbit.
Rain is heard outside the studio, possibly affecting the astronauts.
Launch is two hours away, with social media buzzing about the mission.
Over 1.4 million viewers are watching the live broadcast.
Twitter shows support for the astronauts and excitement for the launch.
A "worm ball" is created, combining the NASA worm logo with the meatball.
Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center has a rich history of space missions.
The pad has been used for Apollo missions and Space Shuttle launches.
The pad is now leased to SpaceX for modern rocket launches.
Christina Cook, a record-setting astronaut, discusses the innovation in space exploration and the importance of partnerships in the field.

01:04:10

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Space Operations

NASA is introducing dissimilar redundancy to enhance safety and mitigate risks in space operations.
A new method of transportation by private companies is increasing the efficiency of crew and cargo transport to the International Space Station.
This advancement allows for a twofold increase in scientific activities onboard the space station.
The additional transportation options enable the delivery of stowage items, supplies, provisions, and science experiments.
Astronauts, like Bob and Doug, focus on enabling success and executing their mission on launch day.
Astronaut Chris Cassidy looks forward to welcoming Bob and Doug to the International Space Station.
The significance of the American flag flown by John Young and Bob Crippen on the first space shuttle flight is highlighted.
NASA's Chief of Staff discusses upcoming missions, including the Mars Perseverance launch and the SLS rocket testing.
The Commercial Crew program aims to transition from owning and operating hardware to buying services for space missions.
Sustainability and reusability are key factors in NASA's plans for future space exploration missions.

01:18:48

SpaceX's Future: Moon, Mars, and Beyond

Gabe Sherman, NASA's chief of staff, discusses SpaceX's future ambitions to visit the moon and Mars.
Sherman is in charge of entry and landing for SpaceX's next rocket, Starship, which aims to make human spaceflight affordable.
Starship will be 100% reusable, unlike Falcon, and will work with NASA to send astronauts to the Moon.
Propulsive landing is crucial for Moon and Mars landings due to their atmospheres, requiring different landing techniques.
Falcon's entry burn conditions mimic Mars landing conditions, aiding in practicing propulsive landings.
Reusability benefits include cost reduction and increased reliability through post-flight rocket inspection.
SpaceX aims to make space travel accessible to the general public, not just the elite, by reducing costs.
SpaceX's mission includes carrying custom art pieces and a mosaic of graduate photos on the Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The goal is to inspire the next generation of explorers and create new traditions and communities in space.
The launch marks a significant step towards a future where space travel is open to all, with SpaceX and NASA working together for this critical mission.

01:33:57

Historic SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch to ISS

Mission Control is monitoring Bob and Doug's flight closely, checking off milestones and preparing for Dragon's approach to the International Space Station.
The crew members, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, don SpaceX suits in the historic crew quarters before heading to the pad to board the SpaceX crew Dragon spacecraft.
This launch marks the first time a commercially built spacecraft will carry people into orbit from American soil since 2011, signifying the end of the space shuttle program.
A series of polls will be conducted to prepare for launch, including arming the launch escape system and fueling Falcon 9 for the 12-minute flight to orbit and 19-hour journey to dock with the International Space Station.
Demo2 is a crucial end-to-end flight test for NASA to certify SpaceX for regular crew flights to the space station, following years of collaboration between SpaceX and NASA.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft, fully autonomous with manual override capability, is designed to accommodate up to seven crew members with modular seats and features a control panel with touchscreen displays.
The spacecraft includes a trunk with attachment points for Falcon 9, a radiator for heat rejection, solar cells for battery charging, and a nosecone for docking protection.
The Super Draco launch escape system provides crew safety from launch to orbit, with future plans for operational crewed missions to the space station involving NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover, and Shannon Walker, along with JAXA's Soichi Noguchi.
Doug Hurley, the spacecraft commander, and Bob Behnken, the pilot, share their excitement and dedication to the mission, highlighting the years of effort and collaboration leading up to this historic launch.
SpaceX's future plans include private astronaut missions aboard Dragon, with agreements in place to fly up to four passengers on an orbital trip as early as next year, expanding the possibilities for space travel.

01:50:27

SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch Countdown Begins

SpaceX is at t-minus one hour, ready for Section six, awaiting a call from the Corps for Bob and Doug.
The crew conducts final checks, ensuring they are strapped in and prepared for launch.
Crew Dragon is given the go for launch at t-minus 45 minutes.
This mission marks Crew Dragon's second test flight with humans on board.
The crew suits up over three hours before launch, undergoes initial checkouts, and bids farewell to family before heading to the pad.
Bob and Doug ride in Teslas to the pad, take in the sights, and enter the white room before boarding Dragon.
The crew is ready for propellant loading at t-minus 35 minutes.
The crew access arm retracts, and the launch escape system is armed at t-minus 40 minutes.
Propellant loading for Falcon 9 begins at t-minus 35 minutes.
Weather conditions are favorable, with a 70% chance of good weather and a 10% chance of lightning.

02:07:55

SpaceX Launches Crew with Safety System

SpaceX is given the go-ahead for Section seven clothes visors and arm launch escape system.
The crew is arming the launch escape system, a critical safety milestone before liftoff.
The launch escape system is designed to automatically fire in case of a dangerous condition, pushing the capsule away to safety.
The launch escape system allows Dragon to separate and land safely in the ocean if needed.
Fueling starts at T-minus 35 minutes, providing the capability to abort and separate from Falcon 9.
The crew access arm retracts, and Bob and Doug prepare to arm the launch escape system.
The Space Station team in Houston is focused on system checks and monitoring the launch.
The crew is strapped in, ready for launch, with final instructions given at T-minus 10 minutes.
The Dragon spacecraft will separate from Falcon 9 after reaching orbit, with a 19-hour ride to the International Space Station.
Engine chill and propellant loading are ongoing, with displays configured for launch and everything looking good for an on-time liftoff.

02:42:14

SpaceX Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Orbit

Engine ignition occurs at t-minus two seconds to prevent running highly chilled liquid oxygen through a warm pump, which could cause gas flash and lead to running gas at high speeds.
Waiting for t-minus seven minutes to start engine chill, followed by topping off stage one fuel and completing fuel load for both stages.
Stage one engine chill initiated, with first stage fuel load complete and liquid oxygen loading ongoing for both stages until the last three to two minutes of the countdown.
Stage one fuel is densified kerosene, with fuel loading on the first stage complete and liquid oxygen loading continuing on both stages.
Strong back retracting to liftoff position, with Falcon 9 tanks pressurized and clamp arm around the second stage opening.
T-minus two minutes 42 seconds, stage one locks load closed out, with stage two locks loading continuing for another half a minute.
Second stage locks load complete, propellant fills complete, and Falcon 9 in internal power mode.
Launch countdown proceeds, with successful liftoff, stage separations, and ignition of the second stage engine.
First stage landing on drone ship confirmed, while second stage continues to propel Dragon into orbit.
Dragon separates from the second stage, begins checks on Draco thrusters, and heads towards the International Space Station for a 19-hour journey.

03:06:07

New era of American spaceflight launches

The astronauts are preparing for their first turn at the controls, using touchscreen displays to manually pilot Dragon, with ground station coverage providing views from inside the spacecraft.
The successful launch marks the beginning of a new era of spaceflight, following the end of the space shuttle program in 2011, with American astronauts launched from American soil on an American rocket.
President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine were present to witness the historic launch, highlighting the collaborative effort and support for spaceflight initiatives.
Despite the successful launch, the focus remains on ensuring the safe docking of the spacecraft with the International Space Station and the astronauts' well-being, with plans for alignment and burns to facilitate the process.

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