Rocket Launch: May 27, 2020

[Simone411]

For the first time in 10 years, there will be a space launch in the U.S. from the Kennedy Space Center off the coast in Florida. The space launch will commence at 4:32 P.M. Eastern time on May 27, 2020.

Rocket Launch: May 27, 2020 4:32 PM EDT - Commercial Crew Space X Demonstration Mission 2

SpaceX will send two NASA astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, on a test mission to help prove the systems meet NASA’s requirements for certification to carry astronauts to the ISS and back.

While there's no launch viewing available yet at the Kennedy Space Center website, it will be available to watch live either on TV (Science Channel) or at the Science Channel website beginning 2: P.M. - 5: P.M. EDT - Science Channel TV Schedule

 

[AxelAnnie]

I just want to know WHY!? That launch coats a fortune. Who thinks this is a good use of our resources?

 

[MsZem]

For the first time in 10 years, there will be a space launch in the U.S. from the Kennedy Space Center off the coast in Florida. The space launch will commence at 4:32 P.M. Eastern time on May 27, 2020.

Good luck to the astronauts launching in less than an hour! My favorite fact is that both Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken are also married to astronauts

The Astronaut Wives Know Exactly What to Expect

These days, the women married to NASA’s space travelers are astronauts themselves.

www.theatlantic.com

I just want to know WHY!? That launch coats a fortune. Who thinks this is a good use of our resources?

I think someone else already explained it nicely:

We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of all people. For space science, like nuclear science and all technology, has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man, and only if the United States occupies a position of pre-eminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea of peace or a new terrifying theater of war.

Today's launch is a step towards future space exploration, which advances scientific knowledge, leads to the development of new technologies, and may bring future benefits that we're not yet aware of.

 

[AxelAnnie]

Good luck to the astronauts launching in less than an hour! My favorite fact is that both Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken are also married to astronauts

The Astronaut Wives Know Exactly What to Expect

These days, the women married to NASA’s space travelers are astronauts themselves.

www.theatlantic.com

I think someone else already explained it nicely:

Today's launch is a step towards future space exploration, which advances scientific knowledge, leads to the development of new technologies, and may bring future benefits that we're not yet aware of.

This is a different time and place. JFK was wonderful and exploring space was the next frontier.

This is now. This is the earth. We do not have the luxury of Camelot.
People are dying. People need jobs. Companies need to have money to open their doors. We need a vaccine. I would like to think that JFK would have a very different......but equally accurate speech for today.

And it is so sad to me that there are no JFK's in this century. We could sure use one.

 

[MsZem]

This is a different time and place. JFK was wonderful and exploring space was the next frontier.

This is now. This is the earth. We do not have the luxury of Camelot.
People are dying. People need jobs. Companies need to have money to open their doors. We need a vaccine. I would like to think that JFK would have a very different......but equally accurate speech for today.

And it is so sad to me that there are no JFK's in this century. We could sure use one.

First of all, this was budgeted (and a lot of money was spent) well before the current pandemlc, and canceling it would have been wasteful.

Also, space is still the next frontier - just different parts of space, and space exploration requires many steps. It wasn't until 1968 (hardly a happy, peaceful year) that astronauts left earth orbit. Should that have been called off because of the political/health situation at the time? Or maybe it wasn't a challenge worth accepting while the US was busy with the Cold War and later Vietnam?

Every era has its challenges, but scientific advancements must continue, and space exploration is a framework for advancing knowledge in many fields.

 

[skatemomaz]

Guess we will try again Saturday. I've been watching the live stream all morning, it was exciting.

 

[AxelAnnie]

First of all, this was budgeted (and a lot of money was spent) well before the current pandemlc, and canceling it would have been wasteful.

Also, space is still the next frontier - just different parts of space, and space exploration requires many steps. It wasn't until 1968 (hardly a happy, peaceful year) that astronauts left earth orbit. Should that have been called off because of the political/health situation at the time? Or maybe it wasn't a challenge worth accepting while the US was busy with the Cold War and later Vietnam?

Every era has its challenges, but scientific advancements must continue, and space exploration is a framework for advancing knowledge in many fields.

Thanks for the reply. Actually it is a private venture by SpaceX which is Elon Musk. And, yes, IMO all of it should have been called off. Just like the rest of the world. You will never convince me that this launch and space exploration is an essential service.

BTW the NASA budget for this year is 22.6 Billion dollars. That is a hell of a lot of money.

 

[Simone411]

Here's a little history about Elon Musk, the founder and owner of the private company, SpaceX.

SpaceX - Wikipedia

In 2001, Elon Musk conceptualized Mars Oasis, a project to land a miniature experimental greenhouse and grow plants on Mars. He announced that "This would be the furthest that life's ever traveled"[27] in an attempt to regain public interest in space exploration and increase the budget of NASA.[28][29][30] Musk tried to buy cheap rockets from Russia but returned empty-handed after failing to find rockets for an affordable price.[31][32] On the flight home, Musk realized that he could start a company that could build the affordable rockets he needed.[32] According to early Tesla and SpaceX investor Steve Jurvetson,[33] Musk calculated that the raw materials for building a rocket actually were only three percent of the sales price of a rocket at the time. By applying vertical integration,[31] producing around 85% of launch hardware in-house,[34][35] and the modular approach from software engineering, SpaceX could cut launch price by a factor of ten and still enjoy a 70% gross margin.

As noted, Steve Jurvetson is an investor in the privately owned SpaceX company. He also invested in Tesla.

These steps that are being taken now will lead to the 4 missions to Mars; one mission in July of 2020 where NASA's Mars rover will look for signs of life that are similar to Earth. The missions to Mars are necessary to find out whether Mars is compatible for humans to live there. It's our future. I may not be around when people colonize Mars, but our future generations will be, and Mars may be essential to our survival.

Science - NASA Mars

The Mars Exploration Program is a science-driven program that seeks to understand whether Mars was, is, or can be, a habitable world. To find out, we need to understand how geologic, climatic, and other processes have worked to shape Mars and its environment over time, as well as how they interact today.

Mars is similar to Earth in many ways, having many of the same "systems" that characterize our home world. Like Earth, Mars has an atmosphere, a hydrosphere, a cryosphere and a lithosphere. In other words, Mars has systems of air, water, ice, and geology that all interact to produce the Martian environment.

What we don't know yet is whether Mars ever developed or maintained a biosphere--an environment in which life could thrive.

Is it necessary? Yes it is because 100 years from now or even sooner, Earth may not be a suitable place for us to live anymore.

 

[Simone411]

Here's Saturday's schedule for the Rocket Launch which will air on the Science Channel and Discovery Channel. I'll be watching on the Science Channel since I don't have the Discovery Channel.

Keeping fingers crossed that it's a sunny day tomorrow!

Science Channel TV Schedule

12 p.m. Eastern Time - NASA & SpaceX: Journey to the Future

Elon Musk and experts from SpaceX & NASA are on a mission to revolutionize space exploration, and special inside access reveals how their cutting-edge spacecraft technology will carry humans to the moon, Mars and beyond.

2 p.m. Eastern time - Space Launch live: America returns to space

NASA and SpaceX join forces to reach a new milestone in space exploration: the first crewed orbital mission launched from U.S. soil in almost ten years; live coverage from Kennedy Space Center goes behind the scenes to reveal history in the making.

 

[skatemomaz]

Here's Saturday's schedule for the Rocket Launch which will air on the Science Channel and Discovery Channel. I'll be watching on the Science Channel since I don't have the Discovery Channel.

Keeping fingers crossed that it's a sunny day tomorrow!

Science Channel TV Schedule

12 p.m. Eastern Time - NASA & SpaceX: Journey to the Future

Elon Musk and experts from SpaceX & NASA are on a mission to revolutionize space exploration, and special inside access reveals how their cutting-edge spacecraft technology will carry humans to the moon, Mars and beyond.

2 p.m. Eastern time - Space Launch live: America returns to space

NASA and SpaceX join forces to reach a new milestone in space exploration: the first crewed orbital mission launched from U.S. soil in almost ten years; live coverage from Kennedy Space Center goes behind the scenes to reveal history in the making.

it can also be livestreamed on NASA.gov and the NASA youtube channel.

 

[Simone411]

Thank you! I forgot about the NASA YouTube channel. I believe it can also be livestreamed on the NASA TV Live app. I have the free version on my laptop. It has the Public, Media and ISS Live stream.

 

[ilovepaydays]

Live feed of today’s (hopefully) launch from The Washington Post.

NBC News feed

NASA feed

 

[Simone411]

Yes, I'm watching on the Science Channel on my big TV. I say big because it's big to me - 47" Vizio. This isn't like back in 1969 when my family had a 19 inch Zenith TV and we watched the first moon landing.

I'm ready to watch history in the making!

 

[annie720]

My son works for SpaceX. I have to watch.

 

[ilovepaydays]

Less than 10 minutes to go!!!

 

[Susan1]

Just watched it.

 

[MsZem]

Yay, they're on their way It's cool seeing all the new technology for this launch.

 

[ilovepaydays]

SpaceX: Liftoff!!!

NASA: We have liftoff!!!

 

[Simone411]

I have to admit that I was so excited and was praying the whole time! What a success, and to see that rocket come back to Earth and land right on that X … totally brilliant! Those reusable rockets will save them so much, and they can be used for the future projects and missions.

Yes, I'm excited. I even sang along with Kelly Clarkson while she was singing the National Anthem! I'm so happy and cheers to SpaceX and NASA! Job well done!!

 

[Susan1]

I got in the car to get milk and Rocket Man was on the radio!

 

[Buzz]

I have to admit that I was so excited and was praying the whole time! What a success, and to see that rocket come back to Earth and land right on that X … totally brilliant! Those reusable rockets will save them so much, and they can be used for the future projects and missions.

Yes, I'm excited. I even sang along with Kelly Clarkson while she was singing the National Anthem! I'm so happy and cheers to SpaceX and NASA! Job well done!!

 

[Simone411]

I have to admit I was thinking about the song, Starman by David Bowie that was used in the movie, The Martian. And Matt Damon was so perfect for the role of Mark Watney.

 

[Buzz]

I have been waiting for this since President Obama cancelled the shuttle program! Congratulations and very well done!

 

[MsZem]

I have been waiting for this since President Obama cancelled the shuttle program! Congratulations and very well done!

The shuttle program was cancelled during the Bush presidency, in the aftermath of the Columbia disaster; at the time he also articulated a vision for a new program, but this was not fully realized. The order for the current program was signed by President Obama.

Trump Given False Credit For Bush- And Obama-Era Space Program

Today the Space X Dragon “Endeavor” launched. The program was started during the second Bush administration, and expanded during the Obama administration. Trump took credit for it.

www.forbes.com

President Obama signs $19 billion NASA funding bill into law

The basic details of the bill have been known for some time now, but President Obama has only just today signed the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 into law, which allocates $19 billion in funding for the space agency and signals a shift to commercial spacecraft for transporting astronauts to the...

www.engadget.com

 

[skategal]

A lot of Canadians got a chuckle yesterday...

Bob and Doug Take Off, eh?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-s-bob-and-doug-take-off-eh-on-social-media-with-spacex-rocket-launch-1.5592020

 

[ilovepaydays]

They are now docked to the International Space Station!

 

[MsZem]

They're back!

Nasa SpaceX crew return: Dragon capsule splashes down

The SpaceX capsule touches down off Florida, in the first crewed US water landing in 45 years.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Winnipeg]

Looks like all went well! I am glad they made it safely back to earth. Hope they keep Covid free going forward.

 

[annie720]

This SpaceX parent was watching on my neighbor's porch with other neighbors. Just like the olden days when everyone gathered in front of the TeeVee to watch the launches and landings. Congrats to all!

 

[Sylvia]

Splashdown clip:

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1289996815824117760

Capsule being hoisted on board the recovery ship:

https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1290004579862667264

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley have exited the capsule and both gave a thumbs up as they were lifted out onto seated stretchers.