NASA is monitoring whether there will be any “schedule impacts” to SpaceX’s next astronaut mission following last week’s rocket failure, the agency said in a recent statement.
SpaceXThe Falcon 9 rocket is Starlink The satellite was launched on Thursday (July 11). The second stage of the rocket It didn’t work as plannedIsolating broadband satellite The satellite was orbiting in an abnormal orbit. SpaceX and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the cause. International Space Station The (ISS) mission is under scrutiny.
Falcon 9 It is also used for transmission National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) SpaceX astronaut mission to the ISS Crew Dragon The next scheduled mission, Crew 9, was scheduled to send four astronauts into space in mid-August, replacing Crew 8, which had been aboard the ISS since March and was scheduled to last about six months.
“The safety of the crew and mission security are NASA’s top priorities,” NASA officials said in an emailed statement late on Friday (July 12), adding that “we will provide updates on the NASA mission, including any impacts to the schedule, as more information becomes available.” The statement added that SpaceX is keeping NASA informed as the investigation into the anomaly progresses.
Related: FAA investigates SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket malfunction
ISS missions typically last six months, but there is flexibility built into the space station if a longer stay is needed. spaceHowever, SpaceX is the only fully certified spacecraft to send astronauts into space from the United States.
Another manned option is Boeing’s StarlinerHowever, it has not yet been approved for operational launches to the ISS. Currently, a test mission called Crew Flight Test has boarded the ISS with two astronauts. Starliner has been approved for return to the ISS. EarthHowever, only in emergency cases. After docking with the ISS on June 6, Starliner experienced a helium leak and problems with its thrusters, and a complex investigation is underway. The mission was scheduled for 10 days, but due to the problems, no landing date has yet been scheduled.
Related: When will Starliner return? Boeing and NASA still don’t know
Additionally, SpaceX will send some of its important resupply missions to the ISS on its Cargo Dragon spacecraft, which also uses the Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX’s 30th docking will be Held on March 4th Carrying food, supplies and experiments for the crew of Expedition 70/71.
But Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus And Russia progressAccording to the Russian Federal Space Agency, the next Progress launch is scheduled for August 15. Roscosmos Announced last week From state news agency TASS.
In addition to the ISS, SpaceX also plans to send commercial astronauts into space this month on its Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 vehicles. Polaris DawnThe project, funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, plans a high-Earth orbit mission and will be the first commercially viable SpacewalkIsaacman will be aboard the same vehicle in 2021 for another mission he funded, ” Inspiration 4.
“SpaceX has had a great track record with the Falcon 9, and from personal experience, they’ve been very transparent when there are issues,” Isaacman said. Post to X(formerly Twitter) tweeted last week: “I have no doubt they will find a purpose quickly and ensure the most cost-effective and reliable launch vehicle keeps payloads in orbit. As for Polaris Dawn, once SpaceX is ready, we will fly it with full confidence in the rocket, spacecraft and operations.”
