SpaceX successfully completed a static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage engines in preparation for NASA’s Crew-9 mission, paving the way for astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov to travel to the International Space Station.
As Hurricane Helene approaches, preparations include securing the spacecraft against weather threats and conducting pre-launch rehearsals, including spacesuit fittings and simulated operations at the launch pad.
Preparing for Crew-9: Static Fire Test
In preparation for NASA’s Crew-9 mission, SpaceX fired the nine Merlin first-stage engines of the company’s Falcon 9 rocket during a routine static fire test on Tuesday, September 24, at Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The successful static fire test allows NASA and SpaceX to move forward with launch operations to send NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to the International Space Station (ISS).
Hurricane Precautions and Rehearsal
Teams rolled the Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket back to the SpaceX hangar on Wednesday, September 25, to prepare for any weather impacts along the Space Coast due to Hurricane Helene, which is expected to make landfall near the Florida panhandle on Thursday, September 26.
NASA and SpaceX also participated Tuesday in a countdown dry dress rehearsal in preparation for the upcoming launch. Rehearsal included Hague and Gorbunov getting into their spacesuits inside the crew quarters at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew also took an elevator to the ground floor, exited the building’s double doors, and got into vehicles that took them to the launch pad. Once at Space Launch Complex-40, the duo climbed into the Dragon spacecraft and rehearsed launch day operations.
Countdown to Launch
Launch is targeted for no earlier than 1:17 p.m. EDT Saturday, September 28, from Space Launch Complex-40.