"Experience the Launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Mission" by @NASA / @NASASocial - accepting applications for reporters for launch. Apply by Mon July 22 10am ET. If selected, at own expense. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-shares-assignments-for-its-spacex-crew-9-space-station-mission/
" & Targeting Aug 18 for Mission to Space Station" by @NASA @Commercial_Crew - crew launch (3
, 1
) planned Sun Aug 18. No mention of FAA grounding. FAA doesn't regulate NASA, but review was expected to cause some delay. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/07/26/nasa-spacex-targeting-aug-18-for-crew-9-mission-to-space-station/
"NASA likely to significantly delay the launch of due to Starliner issues" by @arstechnica / @sciguyspace - Launch delay expected for planning to evac test pilots from . https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/nasa-likely-to-significantly-delay-the-launch-of-crew-9-due-to-starliner-issues/
" Adjusts Crew-9 Launch Date for Operational Flexibility" by @NASA @Commercial_Crew - launch delayed to Sept 24 due to Starliner in its docking port. Keeping option to rescue test pilot astronauts. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/08/06/nasa-adjusts-crew-9-launch-date-for-operational-flexibility/
"’s Changes Ahead of September Launch" by @NASA @Commercial_Crew - Launch 2 crew + 2 open seats for pilots return. Upgraded pilot Nick Hague to commander to avoid all-rookie crew. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/08/30/nasas-spacex-crew-9-changes-ahead-of-september-launch/
" makes a very tough decision in setting final assignments" by @arstechnica / @sciguyspace - Zena Cardman replaced as commander by USAF test pilot Nick Hague due to reduction of crew to single pilot. https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/nasa-makes-a-very-tough-decision-in-setting-final-crew-9-assignments/
Long story made short on crew change: reduced 4 to 2 on launch for pilots to return. Gorbunov kept seat due to US/Russia agreement to launch each other's crew to ISS. NASA chose test pilot astronaut for single-pilot role.
"NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Crewmates to Head to Kennedy Ahead of Launch" by @NASA @Commercial_Crew - 2-up crew (leaving 2 empty seats for 4-down) leave Houston for Cape Canaveral. Planned as 1st crew launch from Pad 40. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/09/19/nasas-spacex-crew-9-crewmates-to-head-to-kennedy-ahead-of-launch/
" & Shift Launch to NET Sept 28 Over Weather Concerns" by @NASA @Commercial_Crew - NET is space-speak for "no earlier than". Tropical Storm Helene will become a hurricane wide enough to affect Cape Canaveral. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/09/24/nasa-spacex-shift-crew-9-launch-to-net-sept-28-over-weather-concerns/
Stage 1 landing at Cape Canaveral LZ1. Stage 2 engine cutoff and orbit insertion. First time was flown to orbit by a single-pilot crew. (Russian cosmonaut is carried by int'l agreement but is not flight crew.)
@AstroHawk@spacey.space
has room for 4 astronauts but launched with 2 empty seats. Those seats are reserved for rescue of the test pilot astronauts currently aboard ISS, returning in 6 months. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/09/28/meet-nasas-spacex-crew-9/
Trivia: since the space shuttle program ended, contracts launches to US industry. Before splitting up crew and cargo, the program was called Commercial Crew & Cargo Program Office, abbreviated C3PO. Yes, really. spaceflight provided inspiration for reality.
"Expedition 72 Welcomes Duo Aboard Station" by @NASA @Commercial_Crew - Freedom (one of fleet of 5) docked at . Now the Starliner astronauts have their ride home, but first part of its 6-month crew rotation. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/09/29/expedition-72-welcomes-crew-9-duo-aboard-station/
"NASA Adjusts Crew-10 Launch Date" by NASA (mirror bot @nasa ) - 1 month delay in launch due to commissioning work on a new spacecraft from the Hawthorne factory. So return (including 2 test pilots who launched in June) is delayed from February to March so outgoing Crew-9 can update incoming Crew-10. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/12/17/nasa-adjusts-crew-10-launch-date/
