The rocket has reached first stage main engine cutoff (MECO). The first and second stages have separated. The second stage engine will start.
Category: Kennedy Space Center
Liftoff! Crew-2 Astronauts on Their Way to the International Space Station

The Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour lifts off in the early morning from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Crew-2 astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, Akihido Hoshide, and Thomas Pesquet have begun their 23.5-hour journey to the International Space Station on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission. Liftoff occurred at 5:49:02 a.m. EDT.
Max Q (the moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket) will happen in the next minute.
Crew Dragon is in Terminal Count
Fuel loading is complete. Five minutes to lifoff, and all looks good for the Crew-2 launch!
Crew-2 Remains on Schedule, Launch Less Than 15 Minutes Away
Fuel loading is complete on the first stage, and liquid oxygen loading has begun on the second stage. Everything remains on target for the 5:49 a.m. EDT launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Propellant and Liquid Oxygen Loading Underway
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fueling has begun. RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading and first stage liquid oxygen loading is underway. Liftoff is scheduled for 5:49 a.m. EDT.
For this morning’s launch, the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron continues to predict a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions at the launch pad for liftoff based on Falcon 9 Crew Dragon launch weather criteria.
SpaceX Launch Director Verifies ‘Go’ for Propellant Load
In just a few minutes, the rocket’s first stage will be loaded with rocket grade kerosene called RP-1 and liquid oxygen. Then the second stage will be loaded with liquid oxygen.
Crew Dragon Spacecraft is ‘Go’ for Launch
Confirmation was received from Commander Shane Kimbrough that Crew Dragon, named Endeavour by the crew, is ‘go’ for launch! The next call will come at T-minus 45 minutes from the launch director. Weather looks good and we remain on target for a 5:49 a.m. EDT launch.
Hatch Closed on Crew Dragon
Crew-2 Astronauts Are Secured Inside the Crew Dragon Spacecraft
What Do Astronauts Listen to While Riding in a Tesla to Their Rocket?
Here is a sample of the Crew-2 playlists:
- First car (Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur): “Learn to Fly” by the Foo Fighters, “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, and “City of Blinding Lights” by U2.
- Second car (Thomas Pesquet and Akihiko Hoshide): “Drops of Jupiter” by Train, “Paradise City” by Guns and Roses, and “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins