SpaceX launches NASA astronauts into orbit on historic mission
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NASA and SpaceX launched Crew Dragon spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, carrying two American astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
It is the first time since 2011 that American astronauts launch on an American rocket from American soil to the ISS.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 3:22 p.m. Eastern Time, from historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.
Veteran NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are co-commanders on the mission.
NASA confirmed main engine cutoff and separation of the rocket’s first and second stages minutes after the lift-off.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watched the launch at the center.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted, “For the first time in 9 years, we have now launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. I’m so proud of the NASA and SpaceX team for making this moment possible.”
NASA confirmed main engine cutoff and separation of the rocket’s first and second stages minutes after the lift-off.
Falcon 9’s reusable first stage booster has successfully landed on the “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship off the Florida coast.
The Crew Dragon reached Earth orbit about 12 minutes after takeoff, and is making its way to the ISS, according to NASA.
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock to the space station on Sunday at 10:27 a.m. Eastern Time. The spacecraft is designed to do this autonomously, but the two astronauts and the station will be monitoring approach and docking, and can take control of the spacecraft if necessary.
What an opportunity missed, by the 45th – INFAMOUS – President of the United States of America.
Could have “hitched” a ride, and visited his labelled “Rocket Man” friend – The President of North Korea // Never know – America could have had its HORRENDOUS and DETERIATING problems solved to Degree, and not see Donald. J. Trump, his Rocket, under fueled for the trip, and unable to Return, to the soils of the United States of America.
The world, let alone America, in a SHAMBLES, may have rejoiced of this occurring //
Trumps legacy – will be 200.000 deaths from this novel coronavirus pandemic, growing internal tensions, spreading throughout the 50 states of America, caused by his INCOMPETENT LEADERSHIP and DIPLOMATIC ability, un-employment levels impact of severer destruction than the 1930’s depression years, the economy of America, in ALL category’s “Smashed” – destroyed, and what SOUL of the Country, all but eroded, by the created situation, in-side America, by there infamous President – Donald. J. Trump.
It’s ALL before the eyes of the World – to SEE, and blindfolds, that have been worn by Countries, dismissive of America’s problems, prior to this novel coronavirus pandemic, and the current “into the abyss” that America is heading, the WORLD – needs to OPEN it’s EYES – to the WRONGS – of the America ways, magnified, by the current infamous President they have in there White House.
Individually, his being, is not what America and the World, needs at this time in it’s History.
Stay Well – ALL.