NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 astronauts are just about ready | Digital Trends

The next group of four astronauts lucky enough to travel aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule are close to completing their training for next month’s mission to the International Space Station (ISS), NASA has confirmed. NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, together with Koichi Wakata of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Anna Kikina of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, will be blasted to space by SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission’s first launch window opens on September 29 in what will be the fifth crew rotation mission of SpaceX’s human space transportation system — and its sixth astronaut flight — to the ISS for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Notably, Kikina will be the first Russian to fly aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, as the nation’s spacefarers usually travel between Earth and the station using its own Soyuz spacecraft.

SpaceX's Crew-5 astronauts.From left to right: Anna Kikina, Josh Cassada, Nicole Mann and Koichi Wakata – the crew of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station – poses for a group photo along with the official mission patch. NASA

Training for the upcoming mission has been taking place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, while training for the Crew Dragon flights to and from the station took place at SpaceX’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California. In addition to getting to grips with space station systems, the four space travelers have also received training for spacewalks, which will be undertaken to upgrade the ISS or maintain current equipment. Russian language lessons for the three non-Russian crew members have also been part of the training package, with skills in robotics, T-38 jet flying, and science also taught.

“We really focus on what they’re going to need to perform the space station mission,” Cassie Rodriquez, Crew-5 chief training officer at Johnson, said in comments posted on NASA’s website. Rodriquez added that the crewmembers have also been subjected to scenarios that will enable them to develop “teamwork and expeditionary skills; how to live and work with other people in very high-stress and dangerous situations. They have shown leadership, toughness, and focus in everything that they do.

The dedication to human spaceflight, to making the mission a success — it’s very inspiring.”

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon is a reusable spacecraft and the Crew-5 astronauts will travel to the ISS aboard the one that transported the Crew-3 astronauts to and from the orbiting laboratory in November 2021.

Following years of development, and with heaps of useful data gathered from the successful flights of the crewless Cargo Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX sent the first astronauts to space aboard a Crew Dragon in a test mission in the summer of 2020. This set of images shows how the historic mission unfolded.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

balkan-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukeqvvs listed on couponmatrix.ukgo2games listed on couponmatrix.ukkaspas-desserts listed on couponmatrix.ukluton-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.ukpret-a-manger listed on couponmatrix.uk
balkan-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukBeautiful Bulgaria and romantic Romania - panoramic views from mountaintops and unbeatable local cuisine… Balkan Holidays has your back when it comes to experiences of a lifetime and with a Balkan Holidays voucher code you’re looking at making unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. Perfect for those budget family trips, kids go free when you use Balkan Holidays and there’s no hidden fees or extras during the booking process.
eqvvs listed on couponmatrix.ukIf youre a big fan of the high street but fancy heading upmarket then you've found the perfect solution with EQVVS, the clothing company bringing men near and far designer fashion at great prices! With a EQVVS discount code from us you can expect to make incredible savings across these ranges of smart wear and casual looks from big names like Versace, Paul Smith and Armani to name but a few.
go2games listed on couponmatrix.ukGo2Games is a high-end gaming retailer, stocking only the best games, consoles and accessories for PS4, XBOX, PC, Switch and more. Whether you're a casual gamer or high-ranking player, Go2Games has top-rated games designed for you. Shop the latest titles for less with a Go2Games discount code and get ready for a high octane adventure. From driving and dance favourites to movie and MMORPG bestsellers, there's always a new gaming addition to add to your collection at Go2Games.
kaspas-desserts listed on couponmatrix.ukTreating yourself never tasted sweeter than when at Kaspas Desserts, the high street chain that harbours delicious treats for all. With flavours that span from banoffee through to Sicilian lemon, you’re free to choose your preferred method of indulgence and make it yours for less with a Kaspas discount code. Whether it’s to celebrate an achievement or to pick yourself up after a hard day, Kaspa’s Desserts are always happy to help you satisfy your sweet tooth.
luton-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.ukKick-off that business trip or family vacay in the best possible way, and book a Luton Airport Parking space today. Leave your vehicle in secure, capable hands as you jet off to new pastures, and arrive at the check-in desk feeling relaxed and ready to fly. Grab a Luton Airport Parking discount code from us to score a steal of a price on your space and whether you’re looking for Luton Airport long term parking or a short term solution, you can lockdown your parking for less.
pret-a-manger listed on couponmatrix.ukAs the nation’s favourite coffee shop, Pret a Manger is the perfect place to grab a hot croissant before work, a fresh BLT for lunch and a caffeine boost whenever you need it. Pret only uses the freshest ingredients, so you can expect delicious (and healthy!) food fuel like baguettes and protein bowls when hunger hits. You can use a Pret voucher from Groupon to save money on your coffee and croissant combo, while regulars can get their fix with free drinks and 20% off the menu with a Club Pret subscription. Whether you’re spending a few hours on coursework or just passing through, there’s always a warm welcome waiting at Pret.