Two Missions to the International Space Station, Including the Inaugural Dragon 2 Launch from SLC-40: A Comprehensive Roundup

SpaceX is gearing up for an eventful week with multiple launches scheduled, including two Starlink missions. This will contribute to SpaceX’s goal of breaking records this year, as the company aims to achieve a total of 10 launches in March alone. One of the highlights of the week will be the first launch of a SpaceX Dragon 2 spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission, known as the CRS-30, will head to the International Space Station (ISS) and will make use of the newly added crew access arm.

Meanwhile, China is also gearing up for several launches. They will be launching a relay satellite and a pair of navigation technology experimental satellites to lunar orbit. That’s in preparation for future missions and will support their plans for lunar exploration. The relay satellite, called Queqiao-2, is larger and more advanced than its predecessor and will have an expected lifespan of at least eight years. It will be positioned in an inclined elliptical 24-hour lunar orbit to support upcoming missions, including the Chang’e-6 lunar far-side sample return mission.

Additionally, China will also be launching several Earth observation satellites as part of their ongoing efforts to expand their capabilities in this field. These satellites will provide valuable data for various applications, including climate monitoring and disaster response.

Russian space agency Roscosmos is not to be left behind, as they’re scheduled to launch a crewed Soyuz 2.1a rocket to the ISS. The crew will consist of Commander Oleg Viktorovich Novitsky from Russia, Marina Vasilevskaya from Belarus, and NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson from the US. This launch is part of the ongoing collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos to ensure continuous occupation of the ISS.

Not to be forgotten is Rocket Lab, a private space company that will be launching a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). This launch will mark Rocket Lab’s first mission from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The company has been successful in launching small satellites and this mission is made possible through the NRO’s Rapid Acquisition of a Small Rocket contract.

Overall, it is an exciting week for the space industry, with multiple launches lined up. SpaceX continues to dominate with its ambitious goals and impressive track record. China is also making strides in lunar exploration and expanding its Earth observation capabilities. Russia and Rocket Lab are also making their own contributions to space exploration and technology. These launches demonstrate the continued progress and innovation in the field of space exploration and highlight the importance of international collaboration in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capabilities.