The sky's the limit when it comes to SpaceX - literally. The aerospace company recently sent another mission to space, this time in the hopes of collecting data from the International Space Station. From the crew to the 6-month journey, here's what we know about the latest flight...
On Wednesday, November 10, SpaceX - along with the help of NASA - welcomed another successful liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. The Crew-3 mission, propelled by the Falcon-9 rocket, consisted of NASA astronauts, Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, Kayla Barron, and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer. Safe to say, the launch was remarkable for spectators and scientists alike. And perhaps with good reason.
#Crew3... 2... 1... and liftoff!
— NASA (@NASA) November 11, 2021
Three @NASA_Astronauts and one @ESA astronaut are on their way to the @Space_Station aboard the @SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance: pic.twitter.com/dxobsFb4Pa
Not only did the mission mark 600 space travelers within the past 60 years, but if gone to plan, it'll provide record-breaking research for better understanding our solar system. During the 6-month trek, the crew will be conducting hands-on research regarding materials science, health technologies, and plant science, as NASA's official website revealed.
"It is always thrilling to watch a rocket launch, especially when an international crew of astronauts is sitting atop it," Josef Aschbacher, ESA director general, proudly announced. For those who are unfamiliar -"Matthias Maurer is the second ESA astronaut to be launched in a Crew Dragon spacecraft under the U.S. Commercial Crew Program. We are delighted to see him fly alongside NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, continuing a long history of international collaboration in space for the benefit of Earth."
But the latest flight will do so much more than provide the United States with crucial information. "NASA's partnership with SpaceX is not only critical for cutting-edge research, but also for international collaboration," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained. "The space station brings together nations around the world for the benefit of all. Godspeed, Crew-3 – I can't wait to see all that you accomplish." Neither can we. Stay tuned while the Crew-3 mission embarks on its journey around our solar system…
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