SpaceX Falcon 9 launches NASA Crew-9 mission to Space Station

On September 28, 2024, SpaceX and NASA launched a new Falcon 9 rocket with a Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station. Prior to liftoff, the astronauts went through different pre-flight checks to enter the Dragon pod.

The mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Two NASA astronauts onboard Dragon spacecraft including NASA astronaut Nick Hague, commander, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, mission specialist.

All systems worked well and took the crew to orbit, prior to that the company separated the first stage, which landed on Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

After deployment, Dragon will perform several maneuvers to dock with the orbiting laboratory and remain stationed for the next five months. Once at the space station, these astronauts will conduct different research and experiments.

Blood cell development in space: This will investigate how environmental conditions affect the development and function of Megakaryocytes and platelets. Megakaryocytes, large cells found in bone marrow, and platelets, pieces of these cells, play important roles in blood clotting and immune response.

Patches for NICER: The mission brings patches designed to cover the leak that occurred in Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER). This telescope on a space station measures X-rays emitted by neutron stars and other cosmic objects.

Vitamins for vision: This experiment will test whether a daily vitamin B supplement can prevent or mitigate Spaceflight-associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome.

According to NASA, Dragon will come back in Spring 2025 with two additional astronauts – Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. These astronauts have been at the Space Station since June this year.