The stakes have never been higher for Elon Musk's SpaceX. On Wednesday, the company will attempt to
launch two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station in a mission called Demo-2.
It will mark the first time in history that a commercial aerospace company has carried humans into E
arth's orbit. NASA and space fans have waited nearly a decade for this milestone, which will usher i
n the return of human spaceflight to US soil.
Live updates: SpaceX launch
The launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is moving forward despite the Covid-19 pandemic, which
has shuttered both private and government operations across the US. NASA says it must carry on with
the mission in order to keep the International Space Station, a giant orbiting laboratory, fully st
affed with US astronauts.
The space agency's top official, Jim Bridenstine, also said he hopes this launch will inspire awe an
d uplift the general public during the ongoing health crisis.
Why is this important?
The United States hasn't launched its own astronauts into space since the Space Shuttle Program ende
d in 2011. Since then, NASA's astronauts have had to travel to Russia and train on the country's Soy
uz spacecraft. Those seats have cost NASA as much as $86 million each.
But the space agency chose not to create its own replacement for the Shuttle. Instead, it asked the
private sector to develop a spacecraft capable of safely ferrying astronauts to and from the Interna
tional Space Station a controversial decision considering that NASA had never before outsourced th
e development of a human-rated spacecraft. The thinking was that commercial companies could drive do
wn costs and spur innovation, and NASA would have more time and resources to focus on exploring deep
er into the solar system.
In 2014, NASA awarded two contracts: $4.2 billion for Boeing to build its Starliner vehicle, and $2.
6 billion to SpaceX, which planned to create a crew worthy version of the Dragon spacecraft that was
already flying cargo to and from the International Space Station. NASA had already put money toward
SpaceX's development of the Dragon spacecraft used for transporting cargo. The space agency has sai
d Boeing received more money because it was designing the Starliner from scratch.
Boeing recently suffered a significant setback when a Starliner capsule malfunctioned during a key u
ncrewed test flight. But if SpaceX can carry out this mission, it'll be a major win for NASA, which
has been pushing for more commercial partnerships.
Not to mention, NASA won't have to ask Russia for rides anymore.
When and where is liftoff?
NASA and SpaceX are currently targeting Wednesday at 4:33 pt ET for liftoff from Florida's Kennedy S
pace Center in Brevard County, Florida. If bad weather or technical issues get in the way, NASA has
May 30 and May 31 down as backup days.
As of Monday evening, there looked to be about a 60% chance of favorable weather conditions. On laun
ch day, officials will evaluate weather at six hours, four hours and 45 minutes before launch.
The rocket will take off from "Pad 39A," a historic site that has been the starting point of mission
s dating back to the Apollo era, including the first moon landing in 1969. SpaceX is currently leasi
ng the launch pad from NASA.
SpaceX and NASA will be cohosting a webcast during takeoff, and they'll keep that live coverage roll
ing at least until Crew Dragon docks with the space station about 19 hours after launch.
CNN and other news networks will also be sharing live updates on TV and online.
Is it safe to launch during the pandemic?
According to NASA, yes.
The astronauts have been in strict quarantine together, and extra precautions are being taken to kee
p everything clean.
NASA, SpaceX and military personnel will need to gather in control rooms to support the launch, and
they've implemented additional safety measures, such as changing control rooms when a new shift begi
ns so that the other room can be deep cleaned.
Only a few dozen members of the press will be able to attend the launch, NASA has said, and Kennedy
Space Center will not welcome any visitors.
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine and SpaceX chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell have also impl
ored the public to follow the launch on television in order to prevent crowds of spectators from tri
ggering a Covid 19 outbreak. Some local officials are also asking spectators not to gather on nearby
beaches or other public viewing sites.
Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, has faced steep criticism over his online comments about the coronavirus. H
e's repeatedly expressed his belief that the United States' coronavirus response is overblown and sh
ared misinformation about its threat.