SpaceX is gearing up for the highly anticipated launch of the Crew-9 astronaut mission for NASA on September 28, 2024. The Crew Dragon capsule, which will carry NASA astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to the International Space Station (ISS), is currently standing on the pad at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, ready for liftoff.
The mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, is the ninth crew rotation mission for the agency. Hague and Gorbunov will spend roughly five months aboard the ISS before returning to Earth in February. They will be joined by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are currently on the ISS and will make their way back home with the Crew-9 crew.
Originally, the Crew-9 roster included NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson. However, due to unforeseen circumstances with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, Williams and Wilmore were added to the mission to ensure their safe return to Earth. Starliner experienced thruster issues, prompting NASA to extend its stay at the ISS for further investigation before bringing it back uncrewed.
The launch of Crew-9 was initially scheduled for September 26, but was delayed as a precaution due to Hurricane Helene hitting Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm. Despite the setback, SpaceX is now ready to proceed with the launch on September 28, marking the first crewed launch ever from Space Launch Complex-40.
Prelaunch Events
Leading up to the launch, NASA will host a prelaunch news conference on September 27 at Kennedy Space Center, featuring key participants from the agency and SpaceX. This event will provide insights into the mission and preparations for the Crew-9 launch.
Launch Day Activities
On September 28, coverage of the launch will begin at 9:10 a.m. EDT, with liftoff scheduled for 1:17 p.m. EDT. Viewers can watch the live stream of the launch on Space.com, courtesy of NASA. Following the launch, a postlaunch press conference will be held at 3 p.m. EDT to discuss the success of the mission.
ISS Arrival
Crew-9’s Dragon capsule, named Freedom, is expected to dock with the ISS on September 29 at 5:30 p.m. EDT. Viewers can follow the coverage of the spacecraft’s arrival starting at 3:30 p.m. EDT, culminating in the welcoming of the new crew members at 7:40 p.m. EDT.
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As the countdown to the Crew-9 launch continues, the excitement and anticipation build for another successful mission to the ISS. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of this historic event as NASA and SpaceX work together to advance human space exploration.