NASA and SpaceX to launch Crew-8 astronaut mission by late February [Updated]

February 26, 2024, at 00:58 EST, the Flight Readiness Review (FRR) for NASA’s Space Crew-8 mission to the Space Station is concluded. This will lead to a mission launch on Friday, March 1, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The first launch window will open at 12:04 a.m. EST.

Earlier today, SpaceX rolled out Crew-8 Dragon to its Falcon 9 rocket in the handle at pad 39A in Florida. The crew will participate in a rehearsal of the launch day activities ahead of an integrated static fire test in preparation for liftoff on February 27.

Credit: SpaceX

February 13, 2024, at 12:10 EST, Space rocket company SpaceX is planning to send a Crew-8 astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by late February.

Both NASA and SpaceX are targeting the first launch window on Wednesday, February 28 at 12:49 a.m. EST from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. No backup launch opportunity has been announced at the moment.

The Falcon 9 reusable rocket will be used to fly four astronauts named Matthew Dominick, Michale Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos Cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Liftoff (Credit – SpaceX)

This manned spaceflight aims to perform research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities on the space station. The Crew-8 counts as the 8th crewed mission with SpaceX to the space station and the 9th human spaceflight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

NASA said that the Crew-8 mission was adjusted to deconflict operations with Intuitive Machines IM-1 lunar mission which is scheduled for February 14. This expansion will allow NASA and SpaceX to prepare astronauts for the Crew-8 mission.

“The Commercial Crew Program has been following along with the IM-1 mission preparations, and we are wishing the Intuitive Machines and SpaceX teams all the best ahead of this extremely complex mission to the lunar surface,” said Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

(source – NASA)