NASA Launches New Space Station Crew This Week: How to Watch

Introduction

The SpaceX Crew-10 mission represents a significant milestone in space exploration, marking another successful collaboration between NASA and SpaceX. This mission underscores the importance of international cooperation and the relentless pursuit of advancing our understanding of space. As the Crew-10 prepares to embark on their journey, the excitement builds, highlighting humanity’s continued curiosity and determination to explore beyond Earth’s boundaries.

Launch Details

The Crew-10 mission is set to launch on March 12 at 4:48 p.m. PT from the historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This site, steeped in history from the Apollo era, symbolizes the legacy of space exploration and the cutting-edge technology of today. The launch will be carried out using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, showcasing the efficiency and innovation of modern space travel.

How to Watch

Space enthusiasts worldwide can join in the excitement of the launch through various live streams. Starting six hours before liftoff, viewers can access a live feed from Launch Complex 39A via the Kennedy Space Center’s YouTube channel. Additionally, NASA’s main coverage will begin at 12:45 p.m. PT on the NASA Plus streaming service, available online, through the NASA app, and on YouTube. Post-launch, an audio-only stream will keep listeners updated until the spacecraft approaches the ISS, with docking coverage resuming early on March 13.

Meet the Crew

The Crew-10 astronauts bring a wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds to the mission. Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, both NASA astronauts, embark on their second and first missions, respectively. Takuya Onishi from JAXA returns for his second ISS mission, while Kirill Peskov of Roscosmos makes his debut. This international team exemplifies global collaboration in space exploration, each contributing unique expertise to the mission.

Mission Activities

During their stay on the ISS, the Crew-10 astronauts will engage in critical research, including material flammability tests and studies on the human body’s physiological and psychological changes in space. These investigations are pivotal for advancing our knowledge and preparing for future long-duration missions, such as those to Mars. The crew’s work will significantly contribute to the broader goals of space exploration and scientific discovery.

Return of Previous Crew

The Crew-10 mission also marks the culmination of an extraordinary chapter for astronauts Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Aleksandr Gorbunov. Their extended stay on the ISS, resulting from the Boeing Starliner’s unexpected issues, showcases the resilience and adaptability of space travelers. Their return journey, facilitated by a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, is a testament to the collaborative spirit and resourcefulness of international space agencies, ensuring the safe rotation of crews in space.