Kennedy Space Center, FL – March 3, 2024: SpaceX Crew-8 Launches to International Space Station, Marking Breakthrough in Public-Private Spaceflight.
On March 3, 2024, at 10:53 p.m. EST, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission took off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The launch signifies the eighth crew rotation mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the ninth human spaceflight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
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SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket and Dragon Spacecraft
The mission involved the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, which has previously supported multiple NASA missions.
The crew consisted of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin.
NASA’s SpaceX Public-Private Spaceflight
NASA’s SpaceX launch was part of a collaborative effort between NASA and commercial entities like SpaceX, a demonstration of the capabilities of commercial spacecraft for human spaceflight.
The mission’s duration is planned for approximately 180 days, with docking and undocking dates set around early March and August 2024, respectively.
Jeanette Epps Makes Historic First Spaceflight
Crew-8 also celebrates another first. Astronaut Jeanette Epps, previously assigned to Boeing Starliner missions, finally takes her maiden voyage to space aboard this mission. This moment exemplifies the program’s commitment to diversity within its crew selections.
NASA provided comprehensive coverage of the launch, including streaming updates, which was met with fervor from the public.
The mission’s progress and updates are also available through NASA’s website and social media channels.
