SpaceX
Here is the Cargo that NASA sent with SpaceX CRS-27 mission
Today, SpaceX launched the 27th commercial Dragon (CRS-27) mission with important cargo from NASA to the International Space Station. The launch, liftoff, and orbit insertion of the Dragon are carried out swiftly. The mission was launched at 8:30 PM EDT at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
According to the information, the SpaceX CRS-27 mission carries 62,00 pounds of cargo from NASA including science experiments, crew supplies, and other important supplies.
Dragon is scheduled to dock with the space station at 7:52 a.m. EDT Thursday, March 16, and remain docked for about 30 days. NASA also shared the details of some science experiments it is delivering with the cargo.
3D Heart Cells, Tissue:
The first Cardinal Heart investigation conducted aboard the space station showed that four weeks of microgravity exposure can cause significant changes in heart cell function and gene expression. Researchers concluded that these changes could lead to long-term medical issues.
The Cardinal Heart 2.0 experiment builds on these results, using heart organoids, 3D structures made up of all the different types of cells, to test whether clinically approved drugs reduce these microgravity-induced changes in heart cell function.
Results could support the development of effective drug combinations to improve the health of astronauts and patients on Earth.
Student Ball Clamp Monopod Project:
The HUNCH Ball Clamp Monopod attempts to address astronaut comments on the difficulty of positioning video or still cameras in the middle of a module. The student-manufactured project is composed of an aluminum monopod fitted with a camera shoe and ball clamp that can be attached to a standard space station handrail. The ball clamp serves as a pivoting platform for photography and video.
Liquid Life Support Systems:
The CapiSorb Visible System study demonstrates liquid control using capillary forces, the interaction of a liquid with a solid that can draw fluid up a narrow tube, which is characteristic of liquids that can absorb carbon dioxide. This is an important consideration for future longer-duration space missions where improved efficiency will support crews over many months or years.
Bacterial Biofilms:
Microbial biofilms are combinations of microorganisms that embed themselves in a self-produced slimy matrix. The ESA (European Space Agency) Biofilms investigation studies bacterial biofilm formation and antimicrobial properties of different metal surfaces under spaceflight conditions.
Antimicrobial surfaces that can inhibit biofilm growth, such as copper and its alloys with and without laser surface treatment, are used in this study. This project provides additional information to help develop suitable antimicrobial surfaces for future spacecraft.
There’s more that you can read on Nasa’s official blog about cargo information.
On March 17, 2023, SpaceX launched 52 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit using the Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The first stage booster for this mission is fully reusable and SpaceX used that previously in NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, and three Starlink missions.
Before launch, SpaceX via Twitter confirmed that all systems and weather are looking good for Falcon 9’s Starlink launch on March 17 at 12:26 p.m. PT.
For this mission, the activity and loading began 38 minutes prior to the liftoff. It ranges from launch director verification to giving a go for the propellant load.
The latter process is RP-1 loading, 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen), 2nd stage LOX loading, and engine chill prior to launch. This is followed by a command flight computer to begin prelaunch checks.
Within one minute, SpaceX began propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure. At T-45, the SpaceX launch director verified the final go for launch. At T-3, Falcon 9 began the ignition sequence.
Liftoff:
The liftoff was powerful as we can expect from the Falcon 9 because it never disappoints us to showcase that thrust.
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/scElnpo3uy
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 17, 2023
1st stage Separation:
Following the launch, 1st stag MECO event was triggered at 2:27 minutes of the launch.
1st stage landing:
Following an entry burn, SpaceX landed on a drone ship in the ocean at 8:47 minutes after liftoff.
Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship pic.twitter.com/8k4vdF5e1u
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 17, 2023
Deployment:
SpaceX confirmed the deployment of 52 Starlink satellites around 15 minutes of liftoff.
Congratulations to SpaceX team for this 52 Starlink deployment
It was a fast delivery and Starlink connectivity will get increased enjoyment.— EONMSK (@eonmsk) March 17, 2023
Another news drop for the Starship launch coming from Elon Musk, as the space rocket maker company, SpaceX is now waiting for an FAA license for the launch attempt.
Today, Elon Musk said that SpaceX is waiting for FAA license approval to process the upcoming Starship launch attempt. He revealed that the company will be ready to fire this giant rocket into orbit very soon.
The SpaceX chief also shared that it may take a few weeks to clear FAA and the first launch attempt would be around the third week of April.
FAA license?
A standard airworthiness certificate is the FAA’s official authorization allowing for the operation of a type of certificated aircraft. A standard airworthiness certificate allows the aircraft to be operated and used with the most minimal restrictions and for compensation and hire.
The FAA also issues commercial space licenses, verifies launch or reentry vehicles meant to carry humans operate as intended, and provides regulation of flight crew qualifications and training. The FAA also performs safety inspections and safely integrates commercial space operations into the National Airspace System.
Anticipating:
In a recent interview at Morgan Stanley Conference, Elon anticipates the upcoming launch attempt. He said, “I’m not saying it will get to orbit, but I am guaranteeing excitement, So, won’t be boring!”
He expects that there is a high chance for SpaceX to send Starship into orbit this year. However, he still thinks there is a couple of years required to build reusable.
Progress:
On January 23, SpaceX stacked Starship on top of the super heavy Booster 7 rocket at Starbase in Texas. The stacking leads us to a full flight-like wet dress rehearsal.
This was the first time an integrated ship and booster were fully loaded with over 10 million pounds of propellant.
Within the same month, SpaceX detached the Starship from booster 7 and achieved a successful Booster 7 static fire. However, we now have to wait until SpaceX comes up with a piece of good news.