Thursday, December 19

SpaceX Is Launching 4 People On a 10-day AX-2 Mission

Later today, SpaceX will launch a private mission to the International Space System, which will be a 10-day Ax-2 mission.

The craft is set to liftoff at 5:37 PM, from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and a Dragon Capsule. This launch will take place from Pad 39 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Not only will this be the 2nd ever private mission to the station, but it will also put the first woman from Saudi Arabia in Space, Rayyanah Barnawi. Including her, there are a total of 4 Ax-2 crew members. Once onboard, these people will spend 10 days conducting more than 20 groundbreaking scientific experiments.

One of these experiments will test how micro gravity affects stem cell growth. In addition to this, the crew will also engage in public outreach to “promote science, technology, engineering, and math”.

To watch this launch, you can watch it on the SpaceX website. A live webcast will begin at 2 p.m. EDT, and NASA’s live stream will begin at 4:30 PM.

Article Source: Space / Image Credit: SpaceX