NASA and SpaceX will launch two astronauts into space tonight, in the first US manned launched in over nine years.
The mission will see astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley launched into space on board a Falcon 9 rocket, on a 400 kilometre journey to the International Space Station.
The launch is set to take place at 16:33 EDT (21:33 BST) from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A.
In the build-up to tonight’s historic launch, SpaceX has revealed its step-by-step plan to ensure a safe launch.
SpaceX said: “Demo-2 is the final major test for SpaceX’s human spaceflight system to be certified by NASA for operational crew missions to and from the International Space Station.
“SpaceX is returning human spaceflight to the United States with one of the safest, most advanced systems ever built, and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is a turning point for America’s future in space exploration that lays the groundwork for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”
Here’s the step-by-step plan that SpaceX has revealed for tonight’s launch.
SpaceX launch plan
The launch is set to take place at 16:33 EDT, and in the build up, a number of key steps must be taken:
- 45:00 SpaceX launch director verifies go for propellant load
- 42:00 Crew access arm retracts
- 37:00 Dragon's Launch Escape System is armed
- 35:00 RP-1 (Rocket Grade Kerosene) loading begins
- 35:00 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins
- 16:00 2nd stage LOX loading begins
- 07:00 Falcon begins engine chill prior to launch
- 05:00 Dragon transitions to internal power
- 01:00 Command flight to begin final prelaunch checks
- 01:00 Propellant tank pressurisation to flight pressure begins
- 00:45 SpaceX launch director verifies go for launch
- 00:03 Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
- 00:00 Falcon 9 liftoff
If the launch goes to plan, and the rocket reaches orbit, the crew and SpaceX mission control will verify the spacecraft is performing as intended by testing the environmental control and life support systems, the maneuvering thrusters, and thermal control systems, among other things.
SpaceX explained: "Crew Dragon will perform a series of phasing maneuvers to position itself for rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station.
"The spacecraft is designed to do this autonomously but astronauts onboard the spacecraft and the Space Station will be diligently monitoring approach and docking and can take control of the spacecraft if necessary."
