Docked to the space-facing port on the Harmony module of the International Space Station (ISS) is the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft. On May 22, 2023, Dragon Freedom transported four Axiom Mission-2 astronauts, including Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, to the orbital lab.
NASA astronauts currently aboard the ISS are getting ready for a June 9 spacewalk for the installation of new solar arrays. Simultaneously, they are conducting a variety of health and scientific studies. However, the launch of a SpaceX Dragon cargo craft from Kennedy Space Center, tasked with carrying the solar arrays, could potentially be delayed due to weather conditions.
At the conclusion of the week, the Expedition 69 schedule aboard the ISS was filled with spacesuit preparations and scientific tasks. Meanwhile, a US resupply ship loaded with cargo is ticking down to launch to supply the residents of the orbital station.
NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg are busy preparing for a June 9 spacewalk to set up one of two new roll-out solar arrays on the ISS’s starboard-side truss structure. The pair spent their Friday morning prepping Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs), otherwise known as spacesuits, and organizing spacewalk tools inside the Quest airlock. In the afternoon, Hoburg teamed up with NASA Flight Engineer Frank Rubio for a fit check of his EMU.
On May 30, 2023, Sultan Alneyadi, the Expedition 69 Flight Engineer and an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), prepared hardware for the Monoclonal Antibodies Protein Crystal Growth-2 (PCG2) experiment. This experiment crystallizes biotherapeutics in microgravity, exploring potential advancements in production techniques both in space and on Earth, potentially expediting the development cycle for new drugs.
In addition to preparing for the spacewalk, the crew also continued microgravity research aimed at improving health on Earth and in space. Bowen arranged blood samples in a centrifuge before stowing them in a science freezer to study how spaceflight influences cellular immune functions. Alneyadi participated in the Cardiobreath astronaut health study, with sensors attached while he exercised to monitor his respiration and blood pressure. Rubio replaced protein crystal samples in the Kibo laboratory module for a study pushing forward biochemistry research in space.
On Friday, Roscosmos Flight Engineers Dmitri Petelin and Andrey Fedyaev partnered for a human research study examining how microgravity impacts the digestion process. Commander Sergey Prokopyev investigated the interaction and formation of plasma crystals from micro-particles like electrons, ions, and neutral gases when exposed to electrical charges.
The SpaceX Dragon cargo craft is gearing up for a 12:35 p.m. EDT launch on Saturday from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, with two new roll-out solar arrays in its unpressurized trunk. On Thursday, mission managers confirmed all systems are ready for the trip to the orbiting lab. However, on Friday, weather forecasters revealed a 70% chance of unsuitable conditions due to possible scattered thunderstorms over the weekend.
For the time being, Dragon’s automatic rendezvous and docking with the Harmony module’s space-facing port is set for 5:36 a.m. on Monday. Two days later, the Canadarm2 robotic arm will extract the roll-out solar arrays from Dragon’s trunk and position them on a pallet attached to the starboard truss. This sets the stage for the spacewalkers to retrieve the solar arrays and initiate the installation process.
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FAQ about SpaceX Dragon Launch
When did the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft dock at the International Space Station?
The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on May 22, 2023.
Who were the Axiom Mission-2 astronauts aboard the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft?
The Axiom Mission-2 astronauts on the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft included Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi.
What are the astronauts preparing for on June 9?
The astronauts are preparing for a spacewalk scheduled for June 9, where they aim to install new solar arrays on the ISS.
What scientific studies are being conducted on the ISS?
Several scientific studies are being conducted on the ISS, including investigations into cellular immune functions, biotherapeutics crystallization, astronaut health, and the impact of microgravity on digestion and interaction of micro-particles.
What is the role of the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft?
The SpaceX Dragon cargo craft is tasked with carrying two new roll-out solar arrays to the ISS. It is expected to launch from Kennedy Space Center, although weather conditions may cause a delay.
What is the timeline for the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft’s launch and docking at the ISS?
The SpaceX Dragon cargo craft is set to launch at 12:35 p.m. EDT on Saturday from Kennedy Space Center. Its automated rendezvous and docking with the ISS is scheduled for 5:36 a.m. on the following Monday.
What will happen after the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft docks at the ISS?
Two days after the Dragon docks at the ISS, the Canadarm2 robotic arm will extract the roll-out solar arrays from the Dragon’s trunk. The solar arrays will then be placed on a pallet attached to the starboard truss, preparing them for retrieval and installation by the spacewalkers.
More about SpaceX Dragon Launch
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SpaceX’s official website: Here, you could find information about the SpaceX Dragon, its missions, and launches. (https://www.spacex.com/)
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NASA’s official website: This site would have detailed information about International Space Station, its crew, and various missions. (https://www.nasa.gov/)
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ISS tracker: A real-time International Space Station tracking site, for details on its current location. (http://www.isstracker.com/)
5 comments
Wow, space explorations just fascinatin’! They’re all ready for a spacewalk, whil the Dragon’s gearing up for launch, this stuff is beyond cool.
oh my gosh, what a time to be alive! humans are legit living in space, conducting scientific studies and even prepping for spacewalks. just wow!
am i the only one who gets nervous for these astronauts? They’re really putting it all out there for science. props to them.
isn’t it crazy that we can predict weather on earth so accurately that it can decide the fate of a space launch?! Mother nature still has the upper hand, i guess.
Wonder what it’s like to live aboard the ISS, must be a trip. Can’t even imagine preppin for a spacewalk, takes some serious guts!