Elon Musk’s SpaceX has launched its fifth crewed mission on 10th Nov, Crew-3 astronauts started a 22 hour long journey to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Crew Dragon Endurance with veteran NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn who has been to space 3 times and NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Kayla Barron along with ESA ( European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer whose first spaceflight is Crew-3.
As Crew-3 reached the NASA Kennedu Space Center’s Launch Pad-39A on board Tesla Model X electric vehicles, there was one car halving a license plate saying “S3ND IT” which is noticed by audience and also Political scientist Christian Davenport who tweeted about the same thing.
As soon as the Endurance flew to orbit, the first stage booster of rocket reentered the atmosphere and landed over the Atlantic Ocean where ‘Just read the instructions’ autonomous droneship was stationed. The booster was recovered so it can be used again which will save spaceflight costs for Tesla. SpaceX launched its first crew mission in 2020. It was a big achievement for American astronauts as NASA has not launched any American astronauts from over a decade.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated,“With Raja, Thomas, Kayla and Mattias on their way to the International Space Station just days after Crew-2’s return, we’re seeing the power of American ingenuity right before our eyes.” “NASA’s partnership with SpaceX is not only critical for cutting-edge research, but also for international collaboration. The space station brings together nations around the world for the benefit of all. Godspeed, Crew-3 – I can’t wait to see all that you accomplish,” he added.
Crew-3 will be in the space for 6 months at the orbiting laboratory. NASA TV is featuring to provide ongoing live coverage of Crew-3 astronauts’ arrival to ISS through docking, hatch opening, and the welcome ceremony.
