Connect with us

Business

Docking with ISS: The Nasa-SpaceX crew mission that ends US’ launch drought

Published

on

Docking with ISS: The Nasa-SpaceX crew mission that ends US’ launch drought

Nine years after the suspension of shuttle missions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) is now on the cusp of ending its launch drought. The agency is set to blast off two astronauts on a SpaceX flight into orbit. This will be the first instance of the space agency collaborating with a private player on a mission involving astronauts.

 

Astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken are at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida awaiting their launch, scheduled on May 27. Before leaving for Florida, Hurley said: “It’s an incredible time for Nasa and the space programme as it again launches US crews from Florida, hopefully in just a week from now.”

Advertisement

 

The two astronauts are scheduled to take off next Wednesday afternoon atop the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, bound for the International Space Station (ISS). “On May 27, Nasa will again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil!” Jim Bridenstine, head of the Nasa, said in a tweet.

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken ahead of leaving for Kennedy Space Centre. (Source: NASA)

Advertisement

 

MEET THE ASTRONAUTS

 

Advertisement

Dough Hurley: The first Crew Dragon spacecraft commander, Dough Hurley is a retired US Marine Corps Colonel who has previously flown on two spaceflights. He served in the Navy as a fighter pilot and trained to fly on F/A-18 Hornet and became a test-pilot in 1997. He was selected to be an astronaut in the year 2000. Hurley made his first spaceflight in July 2009 as the pilot for STS-127 followed by STS-135 aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the last mission in July 2011.

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the newly designed space suits for the new flight missions. (Source: SpaceX)

 

Advertisement

Bob Behnken: Robert “Bob” Behnken is a US Air Force Colonel who is on his third trip to the space, having logged over 708 hours into orbit with over 37 hours of spacewalks. He flew into space with STS-123 in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010. Behnken has logged more than 1,500 flight hours and flown 25 different types of aircraft, according to his Nasa biography. He had been selected for the astronaut programme by Nasa in 2000.

 

The end of Nasa’s dependence on Russia

Advertisement

 

Should the launch be successful, Nasa will end its dependence on Russia and the use of Soyuz rockets for sending and receiving astronauts into orbit. Since July 2011, when space shuttle Atlantis’ touchdown on the Kennedy Space Centre, the US has relied on Russian Soyuz rockets to send Americans to the ISS. The STS-135 was the 135th and the final mission of the American Space Shuttle programme that launched on July 8, 2011, and landed on July 21, 2011.

Advertisement

The Falcon-9 rocket being readied for launch. (Source: SpaceX)

 

On April 9, Chris Cassidy became the last Nasa astronaut to fly to the ISS on board a Russian Soyuz rocket that lifted from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with two other cosmonauts on board – Anatoli Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner. According to Forbes, since the retirement of the space shuttle, Nasa has bought flights for its astronauts on Soyuz at a cost of $86 million per seat. In total, 38 Americans have flown on 35 launches since 2011.

Advertisement

 

The revolutionary SpaceX

 

Advertisement

The space shuttle programme was retired four decades after it began service, a prime reason was the high cost of maintenance. With the massive spacecraft comprising over millions of parts, maintenance came at a hefty cost.

Boeing received a $4.2-billion deal to develop a capsule called the CST-100 Starliner. (Source: SpaceX)

 

Advertisement

Enter SpaceX. The company has been at the forefront of technological advancement under Elon Musk. From the development of reusable rockets to designing the Crew Dragon capsule, the company has grown leaps and bounds. SpaceX was awarded the $2.6-billion project to finish the development of the Crew Dragon-Falcon 9 system by Nasa in 2014, along with Boeing, which received a $4.2-billion deal to develop a capsule called the CST-100 Starliner. SpaceX will fly six operational crewed missions to the ISS under the deal. The Crew Dragon has been into orbit and docked with the ISS on an uncrewed flight called Demo-1 in March 2019. Demo-2 is the crewed mission.

 

Docking to re-entry

Advertisement

 

The two Nasa test pilots — Hurley and Behnken — will arrive on the launchpad about three hours before the launch in Tesla Model X Sports Car, ditching the traditional “Astrovan”. They will enter the spacecraft about 2 hours 15 minutes prior to the launch.

 

Advertisement

The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for a liftoff at 4:33 pm EDT (2033 GMT). After 2.5 minutes of the liftoff, SpaceX will perform the first-stage booster separation on the Falcon 9. As the rockets begin their descent, they will land on a drone ship called “Of course, I still love you” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean with a boost-back burn followed by an entry burn.

The astronauts will arrive on the launchpad about three hours before the launch in Tesla Model X Sports Car. (Source: NASA)

 

Advertisement

Seconds after the Stage-I separation, Stage-II will kick in with an engine burn for about six minutes. The Crew Dragon will separate at this stage and will be on its own into the vastness of space. The spacecraft will then perform a series of phasing manoeuvres to approach and dock with the ISS. The Dragon will have to match the altitude of the ISS, which is placed at about 400 km. The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS about 19 hours after the liftoff.

 

A similar procedure will be followed for a re-entry with the Dragon ditching its “trunk” and jettisoning its service module. After entering the Earth’s atmosphere, the heat shields will protect the capsule and the four Mark-3 parachutes will be deployed to slow down before the crew splashes down into the Atlantic off the coast of Florida.

Advertisement

Falcon-9 during one of its test launches. (Source: SpaceX)

 

While the duration of the mission has not been fixed, it is expected to last between 30 and 120 days, depending on the state of the Dragon capsule.

Advertisement

 

 

Advertisement

(Note: This is a Article Automatically Generated Through Syndication, Here is The Original Source

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Net Worth

Stephen M. Ross Net Worth 2024: How Much is the Chairperson of The Related Companies Worth?

Published

on

Stephen M. Ross Net Worth 2024: How Much is the Chairperson of The Related Companies Worth?

Who is Stephen M. Ross?

Stephen M. Ross, the Chairperson of The Related Companies, is a distinguished figure in the real estate sector, renowned for his significant contributions and profound impact. Born on May 10th, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, Ross embarked on his journey into real estate at a young age, demonstrating remarkable diligence and entrepreneurial spirit. Despite initially pursuing a career as a tax attorney, Ross soon discovered his genuine passion for real estate investment, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.

Stephen M. Ross Career

Ross’s career trajectory is marked by pioneering ventures and transformative projects. In 1972, he founded The Related Companies, which initially focused on subsidized low and moderate-income apartments. Over the years, Ross transitioned to higher-profile projects, including the iconic Hudson Yards development, valued at over $7 billion. His visionary approach and strategic partnerships have cemented his reputation as a prominent figure within the real estate industry.

Stephen M. Ross Net Worth

As of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Stephen M. Ross’s net worth stands at an impressive $10 billion, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Ross’s wealth accumulation is attributed to his unparalleled success as a real estate mogul, with an estimated annual income of nearly $700 million derived from royalties on his diverse property holdings. His continued involvement in the real estate sector, with ongoing projects in New Jersey and Florida, further contributes to his substantial net worth.

Advertisement

Stephen M. Ross Age

Currently, Stephen M. Ross is 83 years old, born on May 10th, 1940. Despite his age, Ross remains actively engaged in his professional pursuits, demonstrating resilience and dedication to his craft.

Stephen M. Ross Family: Wife and Children

Ross’s personal life is characterized by familial bonds and enduring relationships. He is happily married to Kara Ross and is the proud father of four children. Ross’s commitment to family values underscores his holistic approach to life and business.

Stephen M. Ross Height and Weight

Physically, Stephen M. Ross stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m) and maintains a healthy body weight of around 72 kg. Despite his busy schedule, Ross prioritizes his health and well-being, engaging in activities such as volleyball and tennis.

Advertisement

Also Read: Dave Ramsey Net Worth 2024: How Much is American Radio Personality Worth?

Continue Reading

Net Worth

Mike Markkula Net Worth 2024: How Much is the Former CEO of Apple Worth?

Published

on

Mike Markkula Net Worth 2024: How Much is the Former CEO of Apple Worth?

Who is Mike Markkula?

Mike Markkula, born Armas Clifford “Mike” Markkula Jr. on February 11, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, is an American entrepreneur renowned for his pivotal role in the early days of Apple Inc. After graduating from the University of Southern California with degrees in electrical engineering, Markkula amassed considerable wealth through stock options while working at Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel.

Mike Markkula Career

Markkula’s career trajectory took a significant turn in 1977 when he was introduced to Steve Jobs by Venture Capitalist Don Valentine. Recognizing the immense potential of the Apple II computer, Markkula became the company’s first major angel investor, providing $250,000 in funding. He subsequently served as Apple’s CEO from 1981 to 1983, overseeing critical phases in the company’s growth and development.

Mike Markkula’s Net Worth

As of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Mike Markkula boasts an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. His wealth stems from astute investments, particularly in Apple Inc., where he played a foundational role as an early investor and executive.

Advertisement

Mike Markkula Age

Born on February 11, 1942, Mike Markkula is currently [age] years old.

Mike Markkula Family: Wife and Children

Markkula is married to Linda, and together they have made significant real estate investments, including properties in Carmel Valley, Woodside, and Hawaii. They have engaged in philanthropy, with notable donations to Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.

Mike Markkula Height and Weight

Unfortunately, information regarding Mike Markkula’s height and weight is not readily available.

Advertisement

Also Read: Dave Ramsey Net Worth 2024: How Much is American Radio Personality Worth?

Continue Reading

Business

Sundar Pichai Net Worth 2024: How Much is the CEO of Google Worth?

Published

on

Sundar Pichai Net Worth 2024: How Much is the CEO of Google Worth?

Who is Sundar Pichai?

Sundar Pichai, born on June 10, 1972, in Madurai, India, is a prominent figure in the tech industry, renowned as the CEO of Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiary Google LLC. With an educational background in materials science and engineering, Sundar’s journey from humble beginnings in Chennai to the helm of one of the world’s leading multinational companies is an inspiration to many.

Sundar Pichai Career

Sundar’s career trajectory is marked by notable achievements and leadership roles. Beginning as a materials engineer, he gained experience in product management at Applied Materials and management consulting at McKinsey & Company. In 2004, Sundar joined Google, where his strategic insights and innovative contributions led to significant advancements, including the development of Google Chrome, Android, and Google Drive. His ascent within the company culminated in his appointment as CEO in 2015, overseeing Google’s transition into Alphabet Inc.

Sundar Pichai’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Sundar Pichai’s net worth is estimated to exceed $1.66 Billion, primarily attributed to his role as CEO of Alphabet Inc. and his ownership of approximately 520,668 shares of Alphabet Inc. stock. His remarkable leadership and strategic vision have propelled Google’s growth and innovation, contributing to his substantial financial success.

Advertisement

Sundar Pichai Age

As of 2023, Sundar Pichai is 50 years old, having been born on June 10, 1972.

Sundar Pichai Family: Wife and Children

Sundar Pichai is married to Anjali Pichai, whom he met during his college years at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur. They share a deep bond, enduring a period of long distance before marrying and relocating to the United States. Together, they have two children, Kavya and Kiran, and prioritize maintaining a balanced family life despite Sundar’s demanding career.

Sundar Pichai Height and Weight

Sundar Pichai stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches and weighs approximately 68 kilograms.

Advertisement

Also Read: Eric Eisner Net Worth 2024: How Much is the Film Producer Worth?

Continue Reading

Trending

This will close in 5 seconds