SpaceX launching 3rd Crew | Rocket Lab first Helicopter Capture Test [11.11.21]
SpaceX Crew 3
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
This is the third operational Crew Mission for NASA. First flight for the new Dragon Capsule "Endurance". Three astronauts from NASA and one from ESA will travel to the ISS for a regular 6 month rotation.
Tim Dodd: Crew Dragon Launch Day Timeline: From Suit up to Docking with the ISS
The booster is a Falcon 9 on its second mission, carrying a payload mass of 13 t.
The rocket will launch from Kennedy Space Center (LC-39A), Florida and the first stage will land on a drone ship downrange.
Travel time to ISS will be 8:30 hours.
Where to watch:
Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia
Rocket Lab Capture Test
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
This will be the third attempt at recovering a first stage. A helicopter will be tracking the decent of the first stage without a capture attempt. The rocket will soft-land under parachute in the ocean.
The launch takes place at Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand.
The mission is called Love at first Insight and delivers two earth observation microsatellites by BlackSky. The payload is a repeat of the last mission (Running out of Toes) that resulted in a loss of mission because the second stage locked out the engine.
Payload mass is 120 kg. Target is low earth orbit.
Why it's interesting:
- 22nd launch of the Electron rocket by Rocket Lab
- The engines are 3D printed
- Fuel pumps are battery powered.
- The stages are built out of carbon composite material.
Where to watch:
Tim Dodd will be live streaming 30 minutes before launch: The Everyday Astronaut
15 minutes before launch: Rocket Lab
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
Vote for my witness: @blue-witness
Posted with STEMGeeks
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