SpaceX Crew Astronauts Get Used to Space Station

NASA astronauts and Expedition 63 crew members (from left) Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley and Chris Cassidy.
NASA astronauts and Expedition 63 crew members (from left) Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley and Chris Cassidy.

The International Space Station has two new NASA astronauts after the SpaceX Crew Dragon arrived on Sunday. The newly-expanded Expedition 63 crew will now be ramping up microgravity research in the coming days and weeks.

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken are getting up to speed with space station systems and operations on their first full day as Expedition 63 crewmates. The duo is also unpacking the Crew Dragon vehicle today and integrating its systems with the space station.

The duo joined NASA Commander Chris Cassidy, who has been on orbit since April 9, for a news conference today and talked about the historical nature of the first crewed Dragon mission. Hurley and Behnken, who each flew on two space shuttle missions, also described the differences between the Dragon crew ship and the now-retired shuttles.

Cassidy primarily spent Monday on ongoing lab maintenance activities. The veteran astronaut, who also flew on two previous shuttle missions, serviced research hardware and plumbing gear throughout Monday.

The two Roscosmos cosmonauts, Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner, focused on science and routine operations in the Russian segment of the orbiting lab. They joined their NASA crewmates in the morning to review Crew Dragon emergency procedures. Afterward, the duo explored advanced Earth photography techniques and ways to improve space exercise.

29 thoughts on “SpaceX Crew Astronauts Get Used to Space Station”

  1. We live in the west of Ireland you flew over our town at 22:2ohrs our time Saturday night. It was unbelievable to see the space x !!It was like a bullet in the sky! Delighted Bob and Doug had a safe trip and made it to the international space station. Sarah. Mountbellew, Co Galway Ireland.

  2. Please keep us all updated on what the Dragon crew and ISS crew are working on! This entire expedition is absolutely fascinating and gives us so much hope and inspiration on what we can achieve if we work together. We all need more peaceful and inspiring news these days. Thank you for sharing this with the entire world!

  3. I was mesmerized throughout all of the LIVE coverage on this mission over the weekend. Will continue to follow.

    Fascinating, these men are brilliant! Godspeed to all!!!

  4. In Jay, Oklahoma, my 7 and 10 year old grandchildren and my 35 year old son, got to see you fly overhead at 10:26 to 10:28 pm. We waved at you, did you see us?!

  5. Well done ALL at the ISS and ALL on earth who made it possible. Wonderful to watch the trip into space and to see the ISS. Hope there are lots more videos of all different spaces inside and outside ISS. Be safe and Blessed. Wishes from Johannesburg, South Africa. (Janice)

  6. Morning from the UK. My husband is a helicopters instructor and we’re really enjoying watching all the crew on the ISS, can’t wait for the next time we can see you flying over. Take care, stay safe
    Heather & Neil

  7. I am full of admiration for these people. Whenever I look at the sky, I get shivers at the thought that there may be other planets like ours somewhere … The vastness of space and the lack of knowledge on this subject is intriguing ….

  8. Bob and Doug arriving at the 20 yr old space station in their brand new state of the art Crew Dragon complete with flat panel displays wearing their SpaceX “Cruiser Suits”could of been a scene in the movie “Back to the Future”!

  9. Livingstone kirima from Nairobi, Kenya.
    Have been following all the activities from Wednesday, these incredible, inspiring and fascinating. We have the power to explore more as long as we remain united.

    1. The most thing that is informed is sometimes watching NASA LIVE or something and you can find schedules to see what Bob and Doug are up to. Also, the launch was great. I think it was fun. This should be in the news by now.

  10. Hi brave guys, my entire family including 7 and 9 years old kids were so impatient to your lift-off. Since that exciting moment we have been following your each live broadcasts. It is so inspiring to all of us what everything is humankind able to achieve. When do you undocking from ISS? Regards Peter from Prague,Czech republic, Europe. Cheers and good luck!

    1. My daughter is keen on your mission and she has at least known two American’s names since liftoff-Bob and Doug. 🙂

  11. I love the whole design of the SpaceX Dragon rocket and your custom suits. It was so awsome watching you live from the time you suited up to the time you stepped into the space station. It’s amazing to think of you circling the earth every 90 minutes. I look forward to seeing you fly over Cincinnati, OH tomorrow at 9:06 pm. Will be watching your return. God speed.

  12. Watched the ISS fly over our house tonight, and we waved hello to the crew from Sacramento California! It was a beautiful sight!

  13. Personally impressed with “Space X”, and the continued maturity
    of the space program. It’s definitely, a step in the right direction. Congratulations to everyone directly, and indirectly involved.

  14. Have been a sky watcher since a little girl.
    Your launch was greatly needed in this time of uncertainty .
    Saturday was very emotional ….. then today PBS broadcasted the Apollo 11 ,walk on the moon. Boy space travel sure has evolved.
    Another giant leap for mankind.
    Waiting for your next fly by of Shelby Twp. Michigan
    Last chance was June 1st but was very cloudy.
    Thank you for all you do
    Always in prayer

  15. Congrats for successful flight to ISS and it is so pleasant to hear good, positive news amid COVID-19 pandemic & protests in USA! God speed!

  16. Just thinking of you guys and how things are going. Praying for your mission and your families back home.

  17. This a wonderful sight to see and witness!!! I praise you all for your bravery your knowledge and dedication to this great work. God bless your families for sharing you all with the entire world. Be careful watchful and prayerful.Thanks a million for doing what you doing.

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