NASA sets coverage for next SpaceX resupply launch to Space Station

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company’s Dragon cargo spacecraft lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 26, 2022, on the company’s 26th commercial resupply services mission for the agency to the International Space Station. Credits: NASA

NASA and SpaceX are targeting 12:35 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 3, to launch the company’s 28th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Live launch coverage will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website, with prelaunch events starting Friday, June 2. Follow all events at: https://www.nasa.gov/live.

SpaceX’s Dragon will deliver new science investigations, food, supplies, and equipment for the international crew, including the next pair of IROSAs (International Space Station Roll Out Solar Arrays). The solar panels, which roll out using stored kinetic energy, will expand the energy-production capabilities of the space station. This will be the fifth and sixth IROSAs launching in a SpaceX Dragon’s trunk. Each new IROSA will produce more than 20 kilowatts of electricity, and once all are installed, will enable a 30% increase in power production over the station’s current arrays.

Arrival at the station is scheduled for 5:36 a.m. Monday, June 5. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will dock autonomously to the station’s zenith port of the Harmony module.

The spacecraft is expected to spend about a month attached to the orbiting outpost before it returns to Earth with research and return cargo, splashing down off the coast of Florida.

Full coverage of this mission is as follows (all times Eastern).

Friday, June 2

4 p.m. – Prelaunch media teleconference (no earlier than one hour after completion of the Launch Readiness Review) with the following participants:

· Phil Dempsey, transportation integration manager, International Space Station Program

· Dr. Kirt Costello, chief scientist, International Space Station Program Research Office

· Sarah Walker, director, Dragon mission management, SpaceX

· Arlena Moses, launch weather officer, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron

Saturday, June 3

12:15 p.m. – NASA TV launch commentary begin

12:35 p.m. – Launch

Monday, June 5

4 a.m. – NASA TV coverage begins for Dragon docking to the space station

Approximately 5:36 a.m. – Docking to Harmony zenith port

Coverage is subject to change based on real-time operational activities. Follow the International Space Station blog for updates.