SpaceX

The second stage engine cut off as  planned to complete its work. The cargo-laden Dragon spacecraft separated on-time moments ago to catch up to the International Space Station to deliver nearly 6,000 pounds of experiments and equipment.

As the second stage continues to burn as planned, the first stage is returning to launch area. Here’s a photo of the launch minutes ago as the CRS-11 mission lifted off from LC-39A. Photo credit: NASA

 

The Falcon 9 and Dragon have moved through Max-Q, the area of maximum dynamic pressure. The spacecraft is now supersonic and accelerating.

Countdown proceeding smoothly to on-time liftoff.

The nine Merlin engines that will power the Falcon 9’s first stage are being chilled for liftoff. The engines have to be conditioned to the supercold liquid oxygen that will run through the engines’ systems as the rocket flies into orbit.

Major elements of the Dragon spacecraft launching today were used in a previous SpaceX flight to the station. This will be the first time SpaceX is reusing one of its spacecraft for an International Space Station resupply mission.

Numerous experiments are packed inside the pressurized area of the Dragon, including experiments that will enhance study of the heart in microgravity, study microbials aboard the space station and enhance research on plants to be grown in orbit. For a closer look at the payloads aboard the CRS-11 Dragon, go to https://go.nasa.gov/2qG4NYO

Today’s launch of the CRS-11 mission will mark the 100th liftoff from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The roster of iconic missions to begin at LC-39A includes the landmark Apollo 11 flight to land astronauts on the moon for the first time, the first launch of a space shuttle mission and the final flight of the shuttle program. SpaceX modified the pad extensively to the needs of its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Additions to the pad continue, including an upcoming crew access arm that will provide a walkway for astronauts climbing aboard Crew Dragon spacecraft in the future for Commercial Crew Program missions to the space station.

Welcome to Launch Day here on Florida’s Space Coast where a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft stand pointed toward space! Launch is scheduled for 5:07:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A. Today’s launch window is instantaneous to put the Dragon and its 6,000 pounds of cargo on course to catch up to the International Space Station.

Weather remains the top concern for this afternoon, but the forecast has improved greatly to a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions today at launch time.

The launch team is working through its standard processes to prep the rocket and spacecraft for liftoff, including loading refined kerosene fuel and liquid oxygen into the two stages of the Falcon 9 rocket.

We will provide updates to the countdown status through launch and the Falcon 9’s climb into orbit. Dragon, which is flying without a crew aboard, will deliver a host of science experiments plus equipment and crew supplies to the station. The research will be conducted by the crew aboard the space station by the astronauts of Expeditions 52 and 53.

NASA TV coverage of the countdown also is underway and can be viewed here on NASA’s Launch Blog, on television or streaming at www.nasa.gov/nasatv