Back To The Future

[Judge]

Off we go again- into the wild blue- and black yonder. This Wednesday. Using SpaceX instead of hitching a ride on a Russian Soyuz rocket, to reach the International Space Station.

The first astronaut launch from Cape Canaveral since the space shuttle program ended in 2011, and the first American-made capsule to carry people into orbit since the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. Hope it all goes smoothly.

NASA astronauts go back to the future with capsule launch

These 2 NASA astronauts are ready to make history on a SpaceX spaceship | Space

Now for just the right music to match those with the right stuff:

Something great to think about and see in these uncertain times. Godspeed, gentlemen.

 

[FreeDiver]

Hope they keep those astronauts in quarantine. We don't want that COVID 19 getting on to the ISS.

 

[Judge]

Hope they keep those astronauts in quarantine. We don't want that COVID 19 getting on to the ISS.

What quarantine is like for an astronaut | Space

 

[Rabscuttle]

Fun fact: when NASA put an Apollo capsule atop a Saturn V, the assemblage barely made it out; there were only six feet of clearance. When NASA announced the upcoming SLS rocket system (a full third taller than a Saturn V), I immediately contacted them to make sure they'd thought of this; they'd be a laughingstock if they build this incredible new rocket and couldn't get it out the door. They had.

 

[Judge]

Hopefully the launch will take place today without the intervention of Mother Nature.
Last I saw, 3:22pm EST.

Interesting to see the new and distinctly sleeker spacesuits. They could be beekeepers!

The capsule's instrument panel. Man, what a test for the reliability of multiple LCD display screens. Conversely, the complete absence of analog instrumentation has to be a good sign.

As of this moment, "the weather is good for launch". How will the astronauts arrive on the launch pad? In a Tesla automobile, of course. Reportedly listening to AC/DC.

Rock on, gentlemen. It's a new day.

And we have liftoff! Looking good. MECO confirmed and they are into space. SECO to follow. And those stage rockets falling to Earth are supposed to be reusable, landing on drone vessels in the ocean. Wild.

It appears by expert standards, this was essentially a perfect launch.

 

[FreeDiver]

It look like the launch was a success. Not only did they get the two astronauts into orbit. But they also landed the first stage booster on the drone ship as well.