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WG3K > ANS 10.03.24 17:01l 20 Lines 3397 Bytes #68 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : $ANS070.3
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Subj: NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 Launches to International Space Station
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Sent: 240310/1549Z 1867@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
After overcoming multiple delays in the past few weeks, a diverse team of astronauts lifted off into orbit late on a Sunday evening. NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission achieved a flawless launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 10:53 p.m. EST on March 3rd, propelling four astronauts toward the International Space Station (ISS).
Marking the eighth collaboration between NASA and SpaceX for crew rotations, the Crew-8 mission embarked on a scientific journey to the ISS. The Crew-8 team is led by Commander Matthew Dominick, KCØTOR, Pilot Michael Barratt, KD5MIJ, Mission Specialist Jeanette Epps, KF5QNU, and Flight Engineer Alexander Grebenkin, RZ3DSE. Dominick, a first-time astronaut, will serve as a mission specialist during Expedition 70/71. Barratt, with two spaceflights under his belt, brings valuable experience to the mission. Epps, NASA's first-time astronaut selected in 2009, plays a crucial role in monitoring the spacecraft during dynamic flight phases. Grebenkin, on his inaugural space mission, serves as a flight engineer during Expeditions 70/71.
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Members of NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 Standing in Front of a SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket [Credit: SpaceX]
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated NASA and SpaceX, stating, "On this eighth crew rotation mission, we are once again showing the strength of our commercial partnerships and American ingenuity that will propel us further in the cosmos." The crew's mission aboard the ISS involves conducting over 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations to support space exploration and benefit humanity on Earth.
The Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, autonomously docked with the forward port of the station's Harmony module under the vigilant watch of SpaceX and NASA mission control centers in Hawthorne, California, and Houston, Texas. The successful docking occurred on Tuesday, March 5th, at 2:28 a.m. EST over the central North Atlantic.
Crew-8's arrival at the ISS expands the existing Expedition 70 crew, comprising astronauts from NASA, ESA, JAXA, and Roscosmos. With the temporary addition of Crew-8 members, the ISS will briefly host eleven individuals until the return of Crew-7 members a few days later.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SpaceX_Crew-8_Arr...]https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SpaceX_Crew-8_Arrive_ISS.jpg
Current Crew of International Space Station until Crew-7 Departs on March 10 [Credit: NASA TV]
Beyond the space environment, Crew-8 aims to conduct various scientific experiments to advance human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and address challenges faced by humanity on Earth. These experiments include studies on brain organoids to understand neurodegenerative disorders, the effects of microgravity on plant growth, and shifts in body fluids during spaceflight.
The ISS continues to serve as a crucial platform for research and development, with NASA's commitment to maximizing its utility. Research conducted onboard not only benefits life on Earth but also lays the groundwork for future missions, such as NASA's Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and beyond.
[ANS thanks NASA for the above information]
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