Hubbry Logo
search
logo
2448146

SpaceX CRS-30

logo
Community Hub0 Subscribers
Write something...
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
See all
SpaceX CRS-30

SpaceX CRS-30, sometimes identified by NASA as SpX-30, was an American cargo spacecraft flight to the International Space Station (ISS), that launched on 21 March 2024. It was operated by SpaceX under a Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract with NASA. The spacecraft is a Cargo Dragon, serial number C209, which made its fourth flight on this mission. This mission was the first Cargo Dragon to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 since the second generation capsule was introduced on the SpaceX CRS-21 mission. In that time, a tower and access arm were added to the pad, allowing late loading of supplies into the spacecraft.

SpaceX plans to reuse the Cargo Dragons up to five times. The Cargo Dragon doesn't require SuperDraco abort engines, seats, cockpit controls, or the life support system required to sustain astronauts in space. Dragon 2 improves on Dragon 1 in several ways, including lessened refurbishment time, leading to shorter periods between flights.

The new Cargo Dragon capsules under the NASA CRS Phase 2 contract land east of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean, so that cargo can be returned more quickly to Cape Canaveral after splashdown.

Falcon 9 and Cargo Dragon launched at 20:55 UTC on 21 March 2024, for SpaceX's 30th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. Falcon 9's first stage booster B1080 successfully landed at Landing Zone-1 (LZ-1) eight minutes after launch, and Cargo Dragon separated from the 2nd stage 4 minutes later. Dragon autonomously docked to the International Space Station's Harmony module on Saturday, March 23, at 11:19 UTC. It delivered 2,841 kilograms of supplies and a spare pump for the station's external thermal loop system, which was located in Dragon's trunk. CRS-30 was the first to launch with a Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, and the first to use the newly-constructed crew and cargo access tower at the pad.

The Cargo Dragon spacecraft was loaded with a total of 2,841 kilograms (6,263 lb) of cargo and supplies before its launch, including 2,841 kilograms (6,263 lb) of pressurised and 631 kilograms (1,391 lb) of unpressurised cargo.

The cargo manifest is broken down as follows:

Various experiments will be transported to the orbiting laboratory, and will provide valuable insight for researchers.

SpaceX’s Dragon will deliver new science investigations, food, supplies, and equipment to the international crew. NASA and partner research flying aboard the CRS-30 mission includes a look at plant metabolism in space and a set of new sensors for free-flying Astrobee robots to provide 3D mapping capabilities. Other studies include a fluid physics study that could benefit nanoparticle solar cell technology and a university project from CSA (Canadian Space Agency) that will monitor sea ice and ocean conditions.

See all
User Avatar
No comments yet.