aerospace
SpaceX to Move Crew Dragon Splashdowns to the West Coast: A New Era in Astronaut Returns
In a significant shift for future missions to the International Space Station (ISS), SpaceX has announced that its Crew Dragon splashdowns will be moving to the U.S. West Coast following multiple incidents involving space debris. This decision marks a pivotal change in the logistics of astronaut returns, moving away from the Atlantic Ocean and potentially concluding the era of East Coast splashdowns as we know it.
The Crew-9 Mission: A Milestone Launch
Scheduled to launch no earlier than August 18, the Crew-9 mission will feature a crew of four astronauts: Commander Zena Cardman and Pilot Nick Hague from NASA, alongside Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson (NASA) and Alexsandr Gorbunov from Roscosmos. This mission is poised to be the last NASA-led ISS operation to return astronauts to the Atlantic, making it a historic launch in the ongoing partnership between SpaceX and NASA.
The Debris Dilemma
SpaceX’s decision stems from repeated incidents involving the Crew Dragon’s trunk—an essential component housing fuel and electrical supplies—that has fallen back to Earth in uncontrolled descents. These debris falls have been problematic, landing in various locations ranging from Australia to North Carolina. The risk posed by such space debris not only raises safety concerns but also complicates recovery operations.
In a recent press conference, Sarah Walker, SpaceX’s Director of Dragon Mission Management, elaborated on the planned changes. “What we’ll do is implement a software change to complete the deorbit burn before jettisoning the trunk, like we did with Dragon-1,” she explained. This adjustment is intended to ensure that the trunk lands in unpopulated areas of the ocean, minimizing risks associated with falling debris.
Crew Dragon: A Safer, More Predictable Future
The shift to the Pacific coast is not merely a reaction to debris risks; it also offers strategic advantages. The West Coast tends to experience fewer extreme weather events and hurricanes, which could lead to more predictable recovery operations. This change is expected to enhance mission scheduling, allowing for smoother transitions from space to Earth.
SpaceX plans to relocate its Dragon recovery vessel to the Pacific sometime next year to facilitate this transition. The move will not only improve safety for the astronauts but also streamline the recovery process for future missions, starting potentially with Crew-10.
Looking Ahead
As SpaceX continues to innovate and adapt in the realm of human spaceflight, the decision to move Crew Dragon splashdowns to the West Coast reflects a commitment to safety and reliability. The upcoming Crew-9 mission will serve as a fitting close to an era of East Coast splashdowns while paving the way for a new chapter in astronaut return logistics.
With the space industry evolving at a rapid pace, it’s clear that adaptability will be key to ensuring the safety and success of future missions. As we look forward to the Crew-9 launch, the excitement builds not just for the mission itself but for the groundbreaking changes that lie ahead in the realm of space exploration.
Read the article on Space.com about SpaceX’s decision here: https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-9-iss-astronaut-space-junk-dragon
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