This Week at NASA: Launch of SpaceX Crew-7 Mission, Space-observed Storm, and Lunar Exploration
In a recent training session for Artemis II astronauts, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data was employed to acquaint them with the lunar vistas they will encounter during their upcoming mission around the Moon. A new crew embarks on a journey to the space station, a significant storm is observed from the vantage point of space, and a robotic spacecraft is paving the way for human missions to the Moon. These are a few of the compelling stories to unfold in this week’s edition of This Week at NASA.
Launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7 Mission to the Space Station
On August 26, a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft was launched on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7 mission, bound for the International Space Station. The subsequent day saw the arrival of the four-person crew, including NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, at the orbital outpost. They were warmly welcomed aboard as integral members of the station’s Expedition 69 crew. Their mission entails approximately six months of conducting research and technology demonstrations aboard the space station, endeavors aimed at benefiting life on Earth and fostering future Artemis human exploration missions destined for the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
Observation of Hurricane Idalia from the Space Station
External cameras on the space station captured visuals of the formidable Hurricane Idalia on August 30, shortly after the storm had made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, boasting Category 3 status with winds reaching approximately 125 miles per hour. At that juncture, Hurricane Idalia was progressing north-northeast at a velocity of about 18 miles per hour, aimed toward the southeastern United States. Preceding landfall, the storm had ascended to Category 4 classification, characterized by winds in the vicinity of 130 miles per hour.
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s Role in Preparing Artemis Astronauts for Lunar Exploration
In a recent training session, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data played a pivotal role in acquainting Artemis II astronauts with the forthcoming lunar orbit mission around the Moon. The training regimen incorporated scientific visualizations to facilitate the identification of lunar landmarks, geological features, and regions of significance for future Artemis Moon landings. The LRO has diligently amassed a trove of scientific data throughout its fourteen-year tenure of observing the Moon.
August 30, 1983 – Guy Bluford’s Historic Voyage to Space
August 30 marked the momentous forty-year anniversary of NASA astronaut Guy Bluford’s historic achievement as the first African American to venture into space. His journey transpired aboard the space shuttle Challenger during the STS-8 mission – distinguished as the pioneer night launch and night landing of the space shuttle program. Guy Bluford was a distinguished member of NASA’s 1978 astronaut class, a cohort that encompassed the inaugural African American, Asian American, and women astronauts.
And that concludes the comprehensive highlights of this week’s activities @NASA!
