Tag: crew dragon

Crew-1: The Morning After

posted on 16th November, 2020 10:52 am by

So last night, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 did in fact yeet the Crew-1 Dragon capsule Resilience toward the International Space Station; it was a spectacular launch, and the photos are still rolling into social media, and all around the Space Coast, people are slowly waking up and perhaps wondering what to do with themselves now that the Big Event is past…

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Crew 1: T-1 Day Roundup

posted on 14th November, 2020 10:41 am by

Today, Saturday the 14th of November, is not Launch Day. Tomorrow… so far, so good.

As announced yesterday, the NASA/SpaceX Crew 1 launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station has moved to Sunday, November 15th at 7:27 p.m. local time (GMT-5), and so, as everyone scrambles to change their plans, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

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(At One Point) Crew One (Was) Proceeding On Schedule, Somehow

posted on 10th November, 2020 3:00 pm by

UPDATE: Crew 1 has slipped one day due to weather at the recovery location – to Sunday, as noted below. If you have Gray Line tickets, check your email for important re-booking information! -WP

Despite Tropical Storm Eta bouncing around the Gulf like a pinball, plans are still proceeding apace for the Crew One mission to the International Space Station, launching on a SpaceX Falcon 9 no earlier than Sunday, November 15th, at 7:27 p.m. local time (GMT-5), according to the Flight Readiness Review that concluded today.

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Upcoming Launch: SpaceX Crew Dragon In-Flight Abort Test

posted on 9th January, 2020 3:05 am by

Last Revision: 18-Jan-2020 5:05 am – scrub-a-dub-dub.

The SpaceX In-Flight Abort test for their Crew Dragon capsule is currently scheduled for No Earlier Than (NET) Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 8:00 am EST SCRUBBED; new time is Sunday, January 19, 2020, at 8:00 am EST, with a six-hour launch window. For this test flight, SpaceX will launch an uncrewed Crew Dragon capsule atop a reflown Falcon 9 rocket from pad LC-39A, then simulate an unplanned flight termination via rapid scheduled disassembly of the first-stage booster, at which point the capsule’s abort engines are expected to allow it to escape from the explosion to parachute unharmed into the ocean. This is a crucial test for SpaceX’s entry in the Commercial Crew program, and will pave the way for SpaceX to launch crew to the International Space Station.

The weather forecast released today by the 45th Space Wing for the new date shows a 60% go-for-launch probability, deteriorating to 40% at the end of the launch window – so stay tuned to all the usual places for more news as this situation develops.

Viewing locations: Recommendations and availability may change up until the time of launch. Note that as this is a test launch, the actual time of launch could be delayed by some hours, and so comfort should be factored into your viewing plans. As of now, we have no news of changes to any of this information; if needed (or possible), contact your preferred viewing spot directly for any news of changes in availability.

Information below this line has not been updated for the launch scrub.

Recommended:

  • Star*Fleet Tours: Will be offering boat tours for this launch; will be the closest viewing option available. $95 per person, on sale starting Jan. 9th at noon EST SOLD OUT. Note: People with tickets to the Star*Fleet tour should check their Slack or Twitter (@StarFleetTours) for information about the possibility of a Small Craft Advisory for the 18th.
  • Jetty Park: Should be available for viewing. Parking $15/car for non-Brevard county residents. More info here.
  • Exploration Tower: Offering VIP launch viewing, $50 per person. Purchase tickets here.

Also Available:

  • SR-401 Viewing Stands: May or may not be available, depending on whether SpaceX reserves the space. If this is your destination, have an alternate plan in mind. Free.
  • KARS Park: As usual, we have no firm information about this location, other than they seem to be offering viewing for many/most launches at a fee of $5/car. If you have more info, please let us know!
  • Max Brewer Bridge: Pedestrian walkways expected to be available as usual. As per KSC road closure information below, the bridge will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic at 3:30 am, but pedestrian access seems to be unaffected. Free.
  • Space View Park, Manzo Park, US 1 @ SR-50: Any of the parks or open space along the Titusville waterfront will offer a view of the launch. Free.
  • Cocoa Beach Pier: The Pier, or any of the beaches northward, will be available for this launch. Parking fees vary, free parking may be available.
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: is not offering premium viewing opportunities, but have stated that they will open at 8 a.m. on launch day, and that viewing will be available from the main visitor complex. Note that the launch will not be visible until the rocket rises above the treeline, and thus this location is less recommended. Cost: regular daily admission or annual pass, see website for specific cost.

Not Recommended/Not Available:

  • Playalinda Beach: The park will be closed until after the launch, due to the possibility of debris and toxic fumes.

Road Closure Information:

As of 15 January, Kennedy Space Center has released road closure information related to the launch, as follows:

  • State Road 3 from Gate 2 News Media Pass and Identification Building to State Road 405 (NASA Causeway), including Space Commerce Way, will be closed to the general public at 4 a.m. Access to Kennedy Space Center, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Exploration Park and Blue Origin will be limited to authorized personnel. The roads will reopen after launch.
  • The A. Max Brewer Bridge on State Road 406 in Titusville, east to Playalinda Beach, will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic at 3:30 a.m.
  • State Road 3 North at US 1 in Volusia County, south to Playalinda Beach, will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic at 3:30 a.m.

Canaveral National Seashore has confirmed that Route 406 will be closed to ALL entry beginning at 3:30 a.m. on January 18th. The southern portion of Mosquito Lagooon via BioLab Road or Max Hoek Road and the Gator Creek Roads will also be inaccessible. Please do not plan to view the launch from any part of this area.

Whichever viewing area you’re headed for, make sure your route is unaffected by these closures, and plan for delays.

Stay tuned for more information as this launch approaches!