SpaceX Crew-9 Set for Launch to International Space Station

Cape Canaveral, Florida – SpaceX is gearing up to launch its Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 26. The mission, which will be carried out by the company's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, will deliver four astronauts to the ISS for a six-month stay.

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The Crew-9 crew consists of NASA astronauts Nicole Mann, Josh Cassada, and Frank Rubio, along with Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. Mann will serve as the mission commander, while Cassada will be the pilot. Wakata is a veteran of five spaceflights, while Rubio is making his first trip to space.

Once they arrive at the ISS, the Crew-9 astronauts will join the Expedition 68 crew, which is currently living and working on the space station. They will conduct a variety of scientific experiments, including research on plant growth, human health, and technology development.

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The Crew-9 mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to transport astronauts to and from the ISS using commercial spacecraft. SpaceX is one of two companies participating in the program, along with Boeing.

The launch of Crew-9 is scheduled for September 26 at 3:25 PM EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will be broadcast live on NASA TV.