Tag: SpaceX
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ISS schedule slips Dragon launch to May 19 – future manifest outlook
Launch of SpaceX’s first Dragon spacecraft to visit the International Space Station (ISS) has been set for a new target date of May 19, following consultations between SpaceX and NASA. The new launch date is a product of a busy schedule of ISS flight activities that Dragon needs to fit into alongside other launches and…
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Falcon 9’s Merlin engines fire – launch date slipping
The next key milestone ahead of the historical SpaceX mission to the International Space Station (ISS) took place on Monday, as the integrated Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft underwent their full dress rehearsal for what was a May 7 launch – a date that is now slipping. Known as the Static Fire test, all nine…
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SpaceX, NASA managers decide on May 7 launch date following slip
Following SpaceX’s announcement that their Falcon 9 launch date will be slipping from its April 30 target, evaluations have been taking place – in cooperation with NASA – to ascertain when the Dragon spacecraft can make its debut attempt to berth with the International Space Station (ISS). With the NET date of May 7 now…
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Cargo up and down: Dragon to demonstrate the importance of downmass
When SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft heads uphill at the end of the month, the young spacecraft has a long set of objectives to pass prior to being given permission to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS). However, should Dragon achieve the historic first, it will not only provide some welcome cargo, but it will have…
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NASA FRR tentatively sets April 30 for Dragon’s first flight to fully prepared ISS
For the first time in history, NASA’s extensive Flight Readiness Review (FRR) process has concluded that a privately-owned spacecraft is tentatively cleared to visit the International Space Station (ISS). With a launch date still tracking April 30, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will lift off toward a space station that is now fully prepared to extend a…
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ISS translates robotic assets in preparation to greet SpaceX’s Dragon
The International Space Station’s robotic arm has completed a double walk-off to be in position to grapple SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft next month. Currently set to launch NET (No Earlier Than) April 30, Dragon will have to successfully complete a series of demonstration milestones, prior to permission being granted to approach the Station for berthing via…
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SpaceX team conduct successful Falcon 9 WDR ahead of Dragon’s ISS debut
The SpaceX team conducted a successful Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) on their Falcon 9 launch vehicle at Cape Canaveral on Thursday. The Launch Readiness Test was a major milestone ahead of the launch vehicle’s role to loft Dragon into orbit and en route to the International Space Station (ISS) late in April. SpaceX Falcon 9…
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SLS interest in DoD launch market and Secondary Payloads potential
The Space Launch System (SLS) teams are looking into the potential of finding extra roles for the vehicle, in addition to – or in tandem with – the flagship exploration missions, noting its availabity for Department of Defense (DoD) payloads and even what is known as “Secondary Payloads” – allowing satellites to hitch a ride…
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SpaceX Dragon advancing the Launch Abort System to new heights
SpaceX are continuing to make progress with their NASA commercial crew contract, with the latest milestone involving the firing of their SuperDraco thruster engine, an integrated element of the Dragon which will be used as its Launch Abort System (LAS). However, these engines are hoping to gain additional roles, including the ability to land Dragon…
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Dragon ISS flight slips – SpaceX determined to return US crewed access to LEO
SpaceX’s next Falcon 9 flight with the Dragon spaceship – a mission which is expected to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) – is slipping in order to allow for due diligence “safety checks” ahead of launch. SpaceX’s decision to slip what was a February 7 launch came after comments noting their sense of…