Crew-6 Prelaunch News Conference to Start at 11:15 p.m. EST

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft for the Crew-6 mission at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida
Managers from NASA, SpaceX, and international partners are gathered at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, Feb. 25, to determine the launch readiness for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 liftoff to the International Space Station. Photo credit: SpaceX

Tonight’s prelaunch news teleconference (audio only) at Kennedy Space Center for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission launch from the Florida spaceport will begin at 11:15 p.m. EST.

The news conference can be found at www.nasa.gov/nasalive.

Managers from NASA, SpaceX, and international partners currently are gathered at Kennedy to determine the launch readiness for the Crew-6 liftoff to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for 1:45 a.m. EST Monday, Feb. 27, from Kennedy.

 

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 Launch Readiness Review Tonight, Teleconference to Follow

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon Endeavour spacecraft at sunset at Kennedy Space Center for the Crew-6 mission
A colorful sunset serves as the backdrop for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft Endeavour on the pad at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission is targeted to launch to the International Space Station at 1:45 a.m. EST on Feb. 27, 2023, from Kennedy. Photo credit: SpaceX

Managers from NASA, SpaceX, and international partners will gather at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8 p.m. EST, today, Feb. 25, to determine the launch readiness for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 liftoff to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for 1:45 a.m. EST Monday, Feb. 27, from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida.

Following the Launch Readiness Review, the prelaunch news teleconference (audio only) at Kennedy starts at 10:30 p.m. EST today with the following participants:

  • Steve Stich, manager, Commercial Crew Program, Kennedy
  • Dana Weigel, deputy program manager, International Space Station, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston
  • Zeb Scoville, deputy chief flight director, Johnson
  • Kirt Costello, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program
  • Benji Reed, senior director, Human Spaceflight Program, SpaceX
  • Adnan AlRais, mission manager UAE Astronaut Mission 2, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, UAE
  • Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron

The news conference can be found at www.nasa.gov/nasalive.

Weather officials with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron continue to predict a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions for launch, with the cumulus cloud rule serving as the primary weather concern.

Starting at 10:15 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 26, there will be a live broadcast of the mission – including liftoff and postlaunch milestones – on NASA Television and the agency’s website. Check the Crew-6 blog for key events leading up to launch, and then follow the blog on launch day starting at 9 p.m. EST.

Falcon 9 Static Fire Test Completed Ahead of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 Launch

A Falcon 9 rocket static fire test for NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the company’s Dragon spacecraft Endeavour onboard, is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A during a brief static fire test ahead of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

This morning, Feb. 24, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will launch the company’s Dragon Endeavour spacecraft and Crew-6 crew members to the International Space Station reached a key milestone ahead of liftoff. While standing on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida, the rocket’s nine Merlin first-stage engines roared to life for seven seconds, completing the routine but critical integrated static fire test.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission will carry NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the space station for a six-month science mission. Liftoff is targeted for 1:45 a.m. EST Monday, Feb. 27.

Beginning at 9 p.m. EST Sunday, Feb. 26, NASA will offer blog coverage of launch-day activities on the Crew-6 blog. At 10:15 p.m. EST, tune in to a live launch broadcast on NASA TV or the agency’s website and follow along through countdown and other key mission milestones.

This is the sixth crew rotation mission with astronauts using the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket to the orbiting laboratory as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. More details about the Crew-6 mission can be found in the press kit online and by following the Crew-6 blog, @commercial_crew on Twitter, and commercial crew on Facebook.

Flight Crew, Launch Teams Set for Crew-6 Countdown Dress Rehearsal

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon Endeavour spacecraft for the Crew-6 mission
Liftoff of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission from Kennedy Space Center is targeted for Monday, Feb. 27, at 1:45 a.m. EST. Photo credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

In the early-morning hours on Friday, Feb. 24, NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, along with UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will participate in a countdown dress rehearsal at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for the upcoming Crew-6 launch, targeted for 1:45 a.m. EST Monday, Feb. 27.

Rehearsal will begin with launch teams assisting Crew-6 crewmates into their SpaceX spacesuits inside the Astronaut Crew Quarters at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building – just as they will on launch day. Next, the crew will take the elevator down to the ground floor and exit the building’s double doors, where Tesla Model Xs will be waiting to drive them the short distance to Launch Complex 39A.

After they arrive at the launch pad, Bowen, Hoburg, Alneyadi, and Fedyaev will ride the launch tower’s elevator up to the crew access arm – the walkway they will use to enter Endeavour. Once securely seated inside, the crew will check their communications systems before the spacecraft’s hatch is closed. The rehearsal will conclude with the “Go/No-Go” poll for Falcon 9 fueling, which normally occurs about 45 minutes before liftoff.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft Endeavour that will carry the crew to the International Space Station arrived at the launch pad and was raised into a vertical position for launch on Thursday, Feb. 23. The Endeavour spacecraft previously flew NASA’s Crew-1, Inspiration4, and Axiom Mission-1 astronauts.

Beginning at 9 p.m. EST Sunday, Feb. 26, NASA will offer blog coverage of launch-day activities on the Crew-6 blog. At 10:15 p.m. EST, tune in to a live launch broadcast on NASA TV or the agency’s website and follow along through countdown and other key mission milestones.

Bright Outlook for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 Launch Weather

Raising the flag for NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission at Kennedy Space Center
Trip Healey, manager, Program Control & Integration for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, left, and Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, prepare to raise NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 flag Wednesday, Feb. 22, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

In an official report released Thursday, Feb. 23, weather officials with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron predict a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with the cumulus cloud rule serving as the primary weather concern.

Liftoff is targeted for 1:45 a.m. EST, Monday, Feb. 27, from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A. The mission will carry two NASA astronauts – Commander Stephen Bowen and Pilot Warren “Woody” Hoburg – along with UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, who join as mission specialists, to the International Space Station.

The crew is scheduled for a long-duration stay of up to six months aboard the space station conducting science and maintenance before returning to Earth.

Starting at 10:15 p.m. EST on Feb. 26, there will be a live broadcast of the mission – including liftoff and postlaunch milestones – on NASA Television and the agency’s website. Follow along here on the Crew-6 blog for key events leading up to launch, and then follow on launch day starting at 9 p.m. EST.

Rocket Raised to Vertical Position for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 Launch

Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon Endeavour spacecraft raised to the vertical position at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 30A
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the company’s Dragon Endeavour spacecraft on top, is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida on Thursday, Feb. 23, as preparations continue for launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the company’s Dragon spacecraft Endeavour atop, was raised to the vertical position Thursday, Feb. 23, at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida in preparation for the Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station.

Earlier today, the mated spacecraft and rocket arrived at the launch complex after rolling out from the SpaceX integration hangar adjacent to the pad. An integrated static fire test and dry dress rehearsal with the crew will occur prior to liftoff, targeted for 1:45 a.m. EST Monday, Feb. 27.

The mission will carry two NASA astronauts, Mission Commander Stephen Bowen and Pilot Warren “Woody” Hoburg, along with UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, who will serve as mission specialists, to the space station for a science expedition mission.

Crew members will spend up to six months at the microgravity laboratory before returning to Earth. The mission marks the fourth spaceflight for Bowen, who flew space shuttle missions STS-126 in 2008, STS-132 in 2010, and STS-133 in 2011. Crew-6 will be the first spaceflight for Hoburg, Alneyadi, and Fedyaev.

Beginning at 9 p.m. EST Sunday, Feb. 26, NASA will offer blog coverage of launch-day activities on the Crew-6 blog. At 10:15 p.m. EST, tune in to a live launch broadcast on NASA TV or the agency’s website and follow along through countdown and other key mission milestones.

More details about the Crew-6 mission can be found in the press kit online and by following the Commercial Crew blog, @commercial_crew on Twitter, and commercial crew on Facebook.

Spacecraft, Rocket for Crew-6 Mission Roll out to Launch Pad at Kennedy

Dragon Endeavour spacecraft for NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission
The Dragon Endeavour spacecraft for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission is shown at SpaceX’s hangar at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida on Feb. 19, 2023. The spacecraft was mated to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and rolled out to the pad Thursday, Feb. 23. Photo credit: SpaceX

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the company’s Dragon spacecraft Endeavour atop, arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A this morning, Feb. 23, after rolling out from the SpaceX integration hangar adjacent to the launch pad.

The spacecraft and rocket will be raised to the vertical position for an integrated static fire test and dry dress rehearsal with the crew prior to launch.

Liftoff of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission is targeted for Monday, Feb. 27, at 1:45 a.m. EST. The mission will fly NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the International Space Station for up to six months to perform science, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities aboard the space station.

More details about the Crew-6 mission can be found in the press kit online and by following the Crew-6 blog, @commercial_crew on Twitter, and commercial crew on Facebook.

Starting at 10:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, tune in to a Crew-6 live launch broadcast on NASA TV or the agency’s website and follow along through countdown and other key mission milestones.

NASA, SpaceX Announce Update to Crew-6 Mission

NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 crew members arrive at Kennedy Space Center
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 crew members pause for a photograph after arriving at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch and Landing Facility in Florida on Feb. 21, 2023. From left are Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and NASA astronauts Warren “Woody” Hoburg and Stephen Bowen. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

During a media teleconference Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA provided an update to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff, from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A, is slated for Monday, Feb. 27, at 1:45 a.m. EST. Live launch-day coverage on NASA TV and the agency’s website begins at 10 p.m. EST. Sunday, Feb. 26.

Managers from NASA and SpaceX, along with international partners, met throughout the day Tuesday as part of the mission’s Flight Readiness Review (FRR) in preparation for the sixth crew rotation mission with SpaceX to the microgravity laboratory. The FRR focused on the preparedness of SpaceX’s crew transportation system, the space station, and its international partners to support the flight, as well as the certification of flight readiness.

The Crew-6 launch will carry two NASA astronauts, Mission Commander Stephen Bowen and Pilot Warren “Woody” Hoburg, along with UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, who will serve as mission specialists, to the space station for a science expedition mission. They will fly aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour, carried by the company’s Falcon 9 rocket.

Crew-6 will spend up to six months at the space station before returning to Earth. The mission marks the fourth spaceflight for Bowen, who flew space shuttle missions STS-126 in 2008, STS-132 in 2010, and STS-133 in 2011. Crew-6 will be the first spaceflight for Hoburg, Alneyadi, and Fedyaev.

Crew-6 Flight Crew Touches Down in Florida

NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 crew members in their pressure suits
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 crewmates are pictured in front of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft during a crew equipment integration test at SpaceX’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California, last month. From left, in their pressure suits, are: Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, NASA astronauts Warren “Woody” Hoburg and Stephen Bowen, and UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi. Photo Credit: SpaceX

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 flight crew has reported to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to start final preparations for their mission to the International Space Station.

NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev arrived at Kennedy’s Launch and Landing Facility at approximately 12:20 p.m. today, Feb. 21, after departing Ellington Field near the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Coming up shortly is a brief media event with the crew, which will be broadcast live on NASA TV and the agency’s website. In attendance will be:

  • Kelvin Manning, deputy director, Kennedy
  • Dana Hutcherson, deputy manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
  • Salem AlMarri, director general, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
  • NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen
  • NASA astronaut Warren Hoburg
  • UAE astronaut Sultan Alneyadi
  • Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev

The international crew will fly aboard the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, which previously flew NASA’s Crew-1, Inspiration4, and Axiom Mission-1 astronauts. Liftoff is targeted for 2:07 a.m. EST Sunday, Feb. 26 – from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 Flight Crew Departs Houston, Bound for Florida

NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission crew members are seated inside the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft during a training session last year at the company’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California. From left are Mission Specialist Andrey Fedyaev, Pilot Warren “Woody” Hoburg, Commander Stephen Bowen, and Mission Specialist Sultan Al Neyadi. Photo credit: SpaceX

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 crew members departed Ellington Field near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston this afternoon, Feb. 21, and are en route to the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen, commander; Warren “Woody” Hoburg, pilot; and mission specialists astronaut Sultan Alneyadi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev will land at Kennedy’s Launch and Landing Facility at approximately 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they will be greeted by NASA leaders before conducting a brief interview with media.

Tune in to NASA TV or the agency’s website to view the media event.

Bowen, Hoburg, Alneyadi, and Fedyaev are slated to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A at 2:07 a.m. EST Sunday, Feb. 26. They will fly aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour – carried by a Falcon 9 rocket – for a science expedition mission to the International Space Station.