NASA SpaceX Crew-8 Mission Launch Date Set

Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin (from left) and NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps pose during their crew equipment interface test at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The goal of the training is to rehearse launch day activities and get a close look at the spacecraft that will take them to the International Space Station. [Courtesy: SpaceX]

NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission is set to launch via a Falcon 9 rocket Friday, ferrying three space agency astronauts and a Roscosmos cosmonaut to the International Space Station (ISS).

On board the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft will be NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin.

Crew-8 represents the eighth ISS crew rotation mission and ninth human spaceflight mission to the space outpost since 2020 that has been supported by a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

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"During their time on the orbiting laboratory, the crew will conduct over 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, including new research to prepare human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and benefit humanity on Earth," SpaceX said in a statement.

The launch is targeted for 12:04 a.m. EST Friday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA said. According to SpaceX, a backup launch opportunity is scheduled for the same day at 11:41 p.m.

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Following the stage separation, Falcon 9's first stage will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, SpaceX said.

NASA projects the crew will dock with the ISS around 7 a.m. Saturday.

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How to Watch

The Crew-8 mission launch, as well as docking, may be viewed via livestream on a number of platforms. Leading up to the launch, NASA will begin its coverage at 8 p.m. Thursday on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency website.

SpaceX will also begin its coverage about an hour before launch on X, formerly known as Twitter.