3 min read
NASA commercial cargo provider SpaceX is targeting 11:39 a.m. EST Saturday, Dec. 5, for the launch of its 21st commercial resupply services (CRS-21) mission to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. CRS-21 will deliver science investigations, supplies, and equipment for NASA and is the first mission under the company’s second Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Live coverage will air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, with prelaunch events Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec.5.
The upgraded Dragon spacecraft will be filled with supplies and payloads, including critical materials to directly support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations that will occur during Expeditions 64 and 65. In addition to bringing research to the station. the Dragon’s unpressurized trunk will transport the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. The first commercially funded apace station airlock, the Bishop Airlock is an airtight segment used for transfer of payloads between the inside and outside of the station. It provides payload hosting, robotics testing, and satellite deployment while also serving as an outside toolbox for astronauts conducting spacewalks.
About 12 minutes after launch, Dragon will separate from the Falcon 9 rocket’s second stage and begin a carefully choreographed series of thruster firings to reach the space station. Arrival to the space station Is planned for Sunday, Dec. 6. Dragon will autonomously dock to the station’s Harmony module with Expedition 64 Flight Engineers Kate Rubins and Victor Glover of NASA monitoring operations.
Friday, Dec. 4 – 2PM
One-on-one media opportunities., principal. Investigators for payloads on CRS-Plat She Kennedy Press Site (compliant with COVID-19 safety protocols).
Friday, Dec. 4 – TBD
Prelaunch news conference from Kennedy with representatives hem NASA, International Space Station Program, SpaceX, and the US. Air Force, 4S1M1 Space Wing. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom at koc-newsreem@mail.nasa.gov no later then 3 pm. Friday, Dec.
Saturday, Dec. 5 – 11:15 AM
NASA TV launch overage begins for the 11:39 a.m. launch.
Sunday, Dec 6 – 9:30 AM
One-on-one media opportunities with principal investigators for payloads on CRS-21 at the Kenedy Press Site (compliant with COVID-19 safety protocols).
Sunday, Dec 6 – 11:30 AM
Docking
Registered members of the public can attend the launch virtually, receiving mission updates and opportunities normally reserved for on-site guests. NASA’s virtual launch experience for CRS-21 includes curated launch resources, a behind-the-scenes look at the mission, notifications about NASA social interactions, and the opportunity tor a virtual launch passport stamp following a successful launch.
Engage kids and students in the science, technology, engineering and math aboard the space station through NASA’s STEM on Station.
Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual launch passport. Stamps will be emailed following launches to all registrants (who are registered via email through Eventbrite).
Stay connected with the mission on social media, and let people know you’re following it on X, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtags #Dragon, #NASASocial, #BishopAirlock. Follow and tag these accounts:
