KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – SpaceX is set to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station on Sunday from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
These launches through NASA’s commercial crew program are set to become more frequent in the coming year but this liftoff marks only the second human spaceflight from Florida since 2011. Basically, it’s a big deal.
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NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken launched on the first Dragon test flight with astronauts to the space station in May and successfully splashed down in August, becoming the first Dragon riders and NASA astronauts to launch from American soil in nine years.
Now it’s time to do it all again but with four astronauts.
This Sunday evening, NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, along with Japanese Space Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi will launch in SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
News 6 will have team coverage throughout the countdown offering a unique experience with multiple views of the launch and countdown. Pick your own view of the launch here from Port Canaveral, Jetty Park or live from Kennedy Space Center.
News 6 Brevard County reporter James Sparvero and digital journalist Emilee Speck will be at Kennedy Space Center providing updates. Reporter Jerry Askin will be at Jetty Park with space fans awaiting the liftoff and reporter Troy Campbell will be in Titusville near the Max Brewer Bridge for the countdown and launch.
To follow minute-by-minute updates from News 6 reporters at Kennedy Space Center, be sure to check ClickOrlando.com/space on launch day.
Weather is very important for a successful launch and in case of an emergency abort. News 6 meteorologists Samara Cokinos and Jonathan Kegges will be providing weather updates at ClickOrlando.com/spaceview beginning at noon every hour.
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Here are some times to keep in mind Sunday:
Hours before launch, NASA will begin its live coverage at NASA.gov and on NASA TV of the liftoff, along with SpaceX providing commentary from astronauts, engineers and experts who make the mission possible.
The astronauts will begin to make their way to the launchpad a few hours before liftoff.
Liftoff is set for 7:27 p.m. exactly, the window is instantaneous. If the launch scrubs, SpaceX could try again Monday.
For a complete timeline of milestones leading up to the countdown, click or tap here.
Brevard County leaders are asking visitors coming to the Space Coast to watch the launch to use the Waze traffic app to be alerted to road closures and parking updates.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, NASA and SpaceX have asked launch viewers to remain socially distant and wear masks.
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