The International Space Station orbits Earth every 90 minutes. Here’s how to track if it’s above you.
SpaceX historic launch set for liftoff - here's how to watch
We’ve reached a pivotal point in the history of manned spaceflight: Private industry making its way to the stars. For the first time, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon craft will take human passengers to the International Space Station, and the world is waiting with bated breath to see if Elon Musk’s company is up to the task.
And so far, SpaceX’s track record has been pretty good. A stellar test launch proved that its reusable rockets can return to earth and land themselves, which speaks to the build quality of the company’s equipment. Tap or click here to see a sneak preview of the Crew Dragon craft in action.
The launch was initially scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, but was called off due to inclement weather. It’s been rescheduled for Saturday, May 30, and audiences will have a chance to watch this historical moment from the comfort of home. Here’s how you can watch the Crew Dragon dock, as well as learn more about the science behind this space-age technology.
Threading a needle in space
Navigating a ship in space is no simple task, but SpaceX thinks it’s up to the challenge. On May 30, the Crew Dragon craft is scheduled to lift off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to bring astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station.
This historic launch will mark the first manned space voyage of the 2020s, and the first manned launch to the ISS using a domestic spacecraft since the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.
Previously, ISS astronauts had hitched rides to the stars using Russia’s Soyuz craft, which has been active since the Soviet days. Should the launch prove successful, don’t be surprised to see Americans returning to space far more frequently than before.
The launch may sound exciting, but don’t just take it from us: You can watch the SpaceX launch on YouTube directly from NASA’s verified channel. The launch begins at approximately 3:22 p.m. Eastern, and the crew is expected to reach the ISS approximately one day later. We’ll update this report if the timing changes or if there’s another postponement.
Can you stick the landing?
If you’re itching for more exciting space content, SpaceX has also announced the release of a new online simulator that puts followers and fans in the cockpit of the company’s Crew Dragon craft as they attempt to dock with the ISS mid-orbit.
Simulator of Crew Dragon docking with @space_station → https://t.co/vVqJfnbuNC pic.twitter.com/ZH3bkT0DhM
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 12, 2020
How to enter your home safely after being out in this pandemic
Fear over coronavirus and COVID-19 has forced Americans to completely rethink hygiene. According to a 2018 report from the CDC, only 60% of Americans washed their hands frequently before the crisis. We’re willing to bet that percentage is much higher now.
The truth is out there: A two-pound cylinder that crashed through a Naples, Florida, man’s roof is likely a piece of a space station. The impact lines up with the trajectory of a 2.9-ton pallet of old batteries the ISS launched back in 2021.