SpaceX CRS-23

SpaceX CRS-23, also known as SpX-23, is a Commercial Resupply Service mission to the International Space Station planned to be launched in August 2021.[1] The mission is contracted by NASA and will be flown by SpaceX using a Cargo Dragon. This will be the third flight for SpaceX under NASA's CRS Phase 2 contract awarded in January 2016.

SpaceX CRS-23
Mission typeISS resupply
OperatorSpaceX
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftCargo Dragon
ManufacturerSpaceX
Dry mass9525 kg
DimensionsHeight: 8.1 m
Diameter: 4 m
Start of mission
Launch dateAugust 2021 (planned)[1]
RocketFalcon 9
Launch siteKennedy Space Center, LC-39A
ContractorSpaceX
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Inclination51.66°
Docking with ISS
Docking portHarmony
RMS capture2021
Docking date2021
 

Cargo Dragon

SpaceX plans to reuse the Cargo Dragons up to five times. The Crew Dragon capsules, used on missions with astronauts, are not planned to be initially reused. The Cargo Dragon will launch without SuperDraco abort engines, without seats, cockpit controls and the life support system required to sustain astronauts in space.[2][3] This newer design provides several benefits, including a faster process to recover, refurbish and re-fly versus the earlier Dragon CRS design used for ISS cargo missions.[4]

The new Cargo Dragon capsules under the NASA CRS Phase 2 contract will splash down under parachutes in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida, rather than the previous recovery zone in the Pacific Ocean west of Baja California.[2][4]

Primary payload

NASA contracted for the CRS-23 mission from SpaceX and therefore determines the primary payload, date of launch, and orbital parameters for the Cargo Dragon.[5]

  • Science investigations: 0 kg (0 lb)
  • Vehicle hardware: 0 kg (0 lb)
  • Crew supplies: 0 kg (0 lb)
  • Spacewalk equipment: 0 kg (0 lb)
  • Computer resources: 0 kg (0 lb)
  • External payloads: 0 kg (0 lb)

Research

The new experiments arriving at the orbiting laboratory will inspire future scientists and explorers, and provide valuable insight for researchers.

NASA Glenn Research Center studies: [6]

  • Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE)
  • SoFIE

Cubesats

CubeSats planned for this mission:[7]

ELaNa 37 group of satellites TBD

See also

References
  1. "Microgravity Research Flights". Glenn Research Center. NASA. 22 April 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. OIG Staff (26 April 2018). Audit of Commercial Resupply Services to the International Space Center (PDF). NASA Office of Inspector General (Report). IG-18-016. NASA. p. 24. Retrieved 29 September 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. "Dragon 2 modifications to Carry Cargo for CRS-2 missions". Teslarati. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  4. Clark, Stephen (2 August 2019). "SpaceX to begin flights under new cargo resupply contract next year". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  5. "SpaceX Commercial Resupply". ISS Program Office. NASA. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 27 September 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  6. "ISS Research Program". Glenn Research Center. NASA. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  7. "Upcoming ELaNa CubeSat Launches". NASA. 6 May 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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