Jump to content

SpaceX CRS-25: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
SSEP
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit iOS app edit
m Infobox cleanup (via WP:JWB)
 
(118 intermediate revisions by 48 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Planned International Space Station (ISS) resupply mission}}
{{Short description|2022 American resupply spaceflight to the ISS}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox spaceflight
{{Infobox spaceflight
| name = SpaceX CRS-25
| name = SpaceX CRS-25
| names_list = SpX-25
| names_list = SpX-25
| image =
| image = The SpaceX Dragon resupply ship approaches the space station (3) (cropped) (cropped).jpg
| image_caption =
| image_caption = CRS-25 mission approaching the ISS
| image_size = 300px
| image_size = 275px
| mission_type = [[Commercial Resupply Services|ISS resupply]]

| mission_type = [[International Space Station|ISS]] resupply
| operator = [[SpaceX]]
| operator = [[SpaceX]]
| COSPAR_ID =
| COSPAR_ID =
| SATCAT =
| SATCAT =
| website =
| website =
| mission_duration = {{time interval|15 July 2022 00:44|20 August 2022 18:53|show=dhm|sep=,}}
| mission duration =
| spacecraft = {{ComV|Cargo Dragon|208|full=nolink}}

| spacecraft = {{ComV|Cargo Dragon}}
| spacecraft_type = [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Cargo Dragon]]
| spacecraft_type =
| spacecraft_bus = SpaceX Dragon 2
| spacecraft_bus =
| manufacturer = SpaceX
| manufacturer = [[SpaceX]]
| launch_mass = 6,000kg (13,000 lb)
| launch_mass =
| dry_mass = {{cvt|9525|kg}}
| dry_mass = {{cvt|9525|kg}}
| payload_mass =
| payload_mass =
| dimensions = Height: {{cvt|8.1|m}}<br/>Diameter: {{cvt|4|m}}
| dimensions =
| launch_date = 15 July 2022, 00:44:22 [[UTC]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/07/15/spacex-launches-25th-dragon-resupply-mission-to-space-station/ |title=SpaceX launches 25th Dragon resupply mission to space station |work=Spaceflight Now |date=15 July 2022 |access-date=17 July 2022}}</ref>
| power =
| launch_rocket = [[Falcon 9 Block 5]] ([[List of Falcon 9 first-stage boosters|B1067.5]])

| launch_date = April 2022 (planned)<ref name="NextSF"/><ref name=grc-planned/>
| launch_rocket = [[Falcon 9 Block 5|Falcon 9]]
| launch_site = [[Kennedy Space Center]], [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]]
| launch_site = [[Kennedy Space Center]], [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]]
| launch_contractor = [[SpaceX]]


| landing_date = 20 August 2022, 18:53 UTC
| landing_site = [[Atlantic Ocean]]
| recovery_by = {{MV|Megan}}
| orbit_reference = [[Geocentric orbit]]
| orbit_reference = [[Geocentric orbit]]
| orbit_regime = [[Low Earth orbit]]
| orbit_regime = [[Low Earth orbit]]
| orbit_inclination = 51.66°
| orbit_inclination = 51.66°
| apsis = gee
| apsis = gee

| docking = {{Infobox spaceflight/Dock
| docking = {{Infobox spaceflight/Dock
| docking_target = [[International Space Station|ISS]]
| docking_target = [[International Space Station|ISS]]
| docking_type = dock
| docking_type = dock
| docking_port = ''[[Harmony (ISS module)|Harmony]]''
| docking_port = ''[[Harmony (ISS module)|Harmony]]'' forward
| docking_date = 16 July 2022, 15:21 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]
| capture_date = 2022
| undocking_date = 19 August 2022, 15:05 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]
| docking_date = 2022
| time_docked = {{time interval|16 July 2022 15:21|19 August 2022 15:05|show=dhm|sep=,}}

| undocking_date =
| release_date =
| time_docked =
}}
}}

| cargo_mass = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
| cargo_mass = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
| cargo_mass_press = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
| cargo_mass_press = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
Line 54: Line 47:
| cargo_mass_gas = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
| cargo_mass_gas = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
| cargo_mass_water = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
| cargo_mass_water = <!-- {{cvt|0|kg}} -->
| insignia = SpaceX CRS-25 Patch.png

| insignia_caption = SpaceX CRS-25 mission patch
| insignia =
| insignia_caption =
| insignia_size = 200px
| insignia_size = 200px

| programme = [[Commercial Resupply Services]]
| programme = [[Commercial Resupply Services]]
| previous_mission = [[Cygnus NG-17|NG-17]]
| previous_mission = [[Cygnus NG-17|NG-17]]<!-- "Cygnus" is a qualifier used in the article's title for disambiguation and is not part of the official name -->
| next_mission = [[Cygnus NG-18|NG-18]]<!-- "Cygnus" is a qualifier used in the article's title for disambiguation and is not part of the official name -->
| next_mission = [[SpaceX CRS-26]]

| programme2 = [[SpaceX Dragon 2#Cargo Dragon flights|Cargo Dragon flights]]
| programme2 = [[SpaceX Dragon 2#Cargo Dragon flights|Cargo Dragon flights]]
| previous_mission2 = [[SpaceX CRS-24]]
| previous_mission2 = [[SpaceX CRS-24]]
Line 68: Line 58:
}}
}}


'''SpaceX CRS-25''', also known as '''SpX-25''', is a [[Commercial Resupply Services|Commercial Resupply Service mission]] to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) planned to be launched in April 2022.<ref name="NextSF"/><ref name=grc-planned/> The mission is contracted by [[NASA]] and will be flown by [[SpaceX]] using a {{ComV|Cargo Dragon}}. This will be the fifth flight for SpaceX under NASA's [[Commercial Resupply Services#Commercial Resupply Services phase 2|CRS Phase 2]] contract awarded in January 2016.
'''SpaceX CRS-25''', also known as '''SpX-25''', was a [[Commercial Resupply Services|Commercial Resupply Service mission]] (CRS) to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) that was launched on 15 July 2022. The mission was contracted by [[NASA]] and was flown by [[SpaceX]] using their reusable spacecraft, the {{ComV|Cargo Dragon}}. The vehicle delivered supplies to the crew aboard the ISS along with multiple pieces of equipment that will be used to conduct multiple research investigations aboard the ISS.

The launch of CRS-25 was delayed to July 11 to investigate issues in the Dragon's propulsion system detected during pre-launch testing. The previously scheduled launch date was June 10.

== Mission overview ==

=== Objective ===
SpX-25 was a [[Commercial Resupply Services|Commercial Resupply Service mission]] to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS). This flight was the 25th resupply flight of cargo sent to the International Space Station.

=== Timeline ===
SpX-25 was launched on July 15, 2022 <ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |last=Kanayama |first=Lee |date=2022-07-14 |title=SpaceX and NASA launch CRS-25 mission to the ISS |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/07/spacex-crs-25-launch/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref>(0:44 Universal Time) on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Mark |title=Dragon Departs Station to Return Scientific Cargo to Earth |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/08/19/dragon-departs-station-to-return-scientific-cargo-to-earth/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=blogs.nasa.gov |date=19 August 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Dragon arrived at ISS on July 16, 2022. The SpX-25 mission lasted 36 days, 18 hours and 9 minutes, coming down off the Florida coast on August 20, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpaceX |url=http://www.spacex.com/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=SpaceX |language=en}}</ref>

==== Delay ====
According to NASA,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Mark |title=Dragon Mission on Hold as Astronauts Conduct Eye Exams, Spacesuit Work |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/06/06/dragon-mission-on-hold-as-astronauts-conduct-eye-exams-spacesuit-work/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=blogs.nasa.gov |date=6 June 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> elevated levels of [[monomethyl hydrazine]] (MMH) vapor were detected in the spacecraft's propulsion system, causing the launch mission to be delayed for repairs. The entire affected area of the spacecraft was removed and investigated before proceeding with the launch.


== Cargo Dragon ==
== Cargo Dragon ==
The Cargo Dragon is a cargo spacecraft designed by SpaceX, and it is currently the only spacecraft capable of not only sending cargo into space but also returning cargo back to Earth.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Kordina |first=Florian |date=2022-07-14 |title=Dragon CRS-2 SpX-25 {{!}} Falcon 9 Block 5 |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/dragon-crs-2-spx-25-falcon-9-block-5/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Everyday Astronaut |language=en-US}}</ref> It utilizes the Falcon 9 rocket as its launch vehicle which detaches from the Dragon once it reaches orbit. The Cargo Dragon launched with {{cvt|5800|lb|kg}} of crew supplies, tools, and scientific equipment to support NASA and ISS research.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kordina |first=Florian |date=2022-07-14 |title=Dragon CRS-2 SpX-25 {{!}} Falcon 9 Block 5 |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/dragon-crs-2-spx-25-falcon-9-block-5/ |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=Everyday Astronaut |language=en-US}}</ref>
SpaceX plans to reuse the Cargo Dragons up to five times. The Cargo Dragon will launch without SuperDraco abort engines, without seats, cockpit controls and the life support system required to sustain astronauts in space.<ref name=nasa-oig-18016/><ref name=spacex-dragon2/> 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.<ref name=sfn20190802/>


=== Re-usability ===
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]].<ref name=nasa-oig-18016/><ref name=sfn20190802/>
This is the third flight of the particular Cargo Dragon unit<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |title=SpaceX launches 25th Dragon resupply mission to space station – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/07/15/spacex-launches-25th-dragon-resupply-mission-to-space-station/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |language=en-US}}</ref> to space and SpaceX's 25th commercial resupply mission.<ref name="auto2"/> The Falcon 9 was used to launch SpX-25 into space and is also partially [[Reusable launch vehicle|reusable]]. Various parts of the Falcon 9 are recoverable and relaunched for future supply missions. The Cargo Dragon spacecraft itself is preserved by the parachute-assisted splashdown technique<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guzman |first=Ana |date=2022-08-16 |title=SpaceX CRS-25 Dragon Returns with Scientific Hardware & Samples |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/spx-25-returns-scientific-hardware-samples |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=NASA}}</ref> allowing boats to retrieve and reuse parts. Recycling parts of Cargo Dragon and Falcon 9 significantly minimizes the cost to launch crafts into space and optimizes resources for future missions.


== Payload ==
==== Cargo details ====
SpX-25 hauled $118 million worth of resources<ref name="auto"/> and about {{cvt|4000|lb|kg}} of supplies.<ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto1"/>
NASA contracted for the CRS-25 mission from SpaceX and therefore determines the primary payload, date of launch, and [[orbital elements|orbital parameters]] for the [[SpaceX Dragon|Cargo Dragon]].<ref name=nasa-spacex-crs/>


<!-- It makes no sense that there is zero payload on board. Please check and only put it back in with useful data.
* '''Science investigations:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
* '''Science investigations:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
* '''Vehicle hardware:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
* '''Vehicle hardware:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
Line 84: Line 89:
* '''Computer resources:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
* '''Computer resources:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
* '''External payloads:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
* '''External payloads:''' {{cvt|0|kg}}
-->== Research contributions ==
Four significant studies on board SpX-25 were delivered and researched at the ISS:


===ISS Roll Out Solar Arrays (iROSA)===
=== Earth's dust patterns ===
As part of the SpX-25 resupply mission, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) developed Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) in order to track the mineral composition of dust on the arid regions of Earth. Dust can have a cooling effect or heating effect depending on its mineral composition. EMIT is a 1-year investigation that will collect images to track and generate maps of dust patterns and provide insight into the local, regional, or global effects of dust as it travels through the atmosphere.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Soil, Sutures, and Climate Modeling Among Investigations Riding SpaceX CRS-25 Dragon to International Space Station |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/soil-sutures-and-climate-modeling-among-investigations-riding-spacex-crs-25-dragon-to-international-space-station |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) |language=en-US}}</ref>
{{See also|Roll Out Solar Array}}
Second pair of new solar arrays using XTJ Prime space solar cells. They will be delivered to the station in the unpressurized trunk of the SpaceX Cargo Dragon spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalacademies.org/documents/embed/link/LF2255DA3DD1C41C0A42D3BEF0989ACAECE3053A6A9B/file/D0CE42612418D93FC850A8B8383F306148EC43CCAE2D|title=Current and Future Operations and Challenges with International Space Station|work=ISS Program Office|publisher=NASA|date=15 Oct 2020|access-date=2 May 2021|format=PDF}}</ref>


=== Immune system aging ===
The installation of these new solar arrays will require two (2) spacewalks: one to prepare the worksite with a modification kit and another to install the new panel.<ref name="sfn20210113">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/01/13/boeing-says-assembly-complete-on-first-set-of-new-space-station-solar-arrays/|title=Boeing says assembly complete on first set of new space station solar arrays|publisher=Spaceflight Now|first=Stephen|last=Clark|date=13 January 2021|access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref>
Immunosenescence is the dysfunction and change of the immune system of the elderly and it occurs as a natural part of the aging process. This process is linked to a higher propensity to infection, a higher risk of autoimmune disorders, and an increased risk of malignancies such as cancer.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Lian |first1=Jingyao |last2=Yue |first2=Ying |last3=Yu |first3=Weina |last4=Zhang |first4=Yi |date=2020-11-10 |title=Immunosenescence: a key player in cancer development |journal=Journal of Hematology & Oncology |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=151 |doi=10.1186/s13045-020-00986-z |pmid=33168037 |pmc=7653700 |issn=1756-8722 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The ISS is conducting research on how microgravity in space might negatively affect these processes to better understand immune system aging and develop treatments to protect astronauts from the possible of microgravity. Additionally, microgravity provides a medium to study immune system aging at an accelerated rate, making it a helpful tool to study immune system aging and find applications on Earth.<ref name=":0" />


== Research ==
=== CubeSats ===
[[CubeSat]]s are a category of research spacecraft called nano-satellites. A CubeSat allows small satellite cargo to fly on rockets headed to space. CubeSats involve small experiments that can be small and inexpensive to build and launch. Their compact functionality broadens accessibility to spacial research and technology development to students, universities, and other related initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CubeSats and SmallSats |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/topics/cubesats |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) |language=en-US}}</ref>
The new experiments arriving at the orbiting laboratory will inspire future scientists and explorers, and provide valuable insight for researchers.


=== Genes in space ===
'''NASA Glenn Research Center''' studies:<ref name=grc-research/>
This is one of many experiment launches sent to the ISS on board SpX-25. This study will observe the process of cell-free protein production in microgravity. This study is conducted without the use of living cells and is carried out by using biosensors to detect particular target molecules present in the cell. The success of this study would create low-resource, portable, and low-cost technology for medical applications.<ref name="auto2"/>


=== European Space Agency (ESA) research and activities <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.esa.int/|title=European Space Agency|website=www.esa.int|accessdate=14 March 2023}}</ref> ===
'''Student Spaceflight Experiments Program'''
* ESA's [https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/08/Film_and_cultures/ BIOFILMS] ('''B'''iofilm '''I'''nhibition '''O'''n '''F'''light equipment and on board the '''I'''SS using microbiologically '''L'''ethal '''M'''etal '''S'''urfaces) experiment investigating bacterial biofilm formation and antimicrobial properties of different metal surfaces under spaceflight conditions in altered gravity <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/08/Film_and_cultures | title=Film and cultures }}</ref>
The [[Student Spaceflight Experiments Program]] (SSEP) is selecting experiments to be manifested.


== Cubesats ==
== Gallery ==
{{Gallery|NASA's SpaceX CRS-25 Liftoff (KSC-20220714-PH-KMO01 0028).jpeg|Launch of CRS-25|The SpaceX Dragon space freighter approaches the space station (1).jpg|Cargo Dragon approaching the ISS|The SpaceX Dragon resupply ship approaches the space station (2).jpg|Cargo Dragon nears the ISS|The SpaceX Dragon CRS-25 resupply ship departs the space station.jpg|Cargo Dragon departing the ISS|title=SpaceX CRS-25|align=center|footer=|style=text-align:center;|mode=packed|alt1=|alt2=|alt3=|alt4=|alt5=|alt6=|alt7=}}
[[CubeSat]]s planned for this mission:<ref name="Upcoming-ELaNa"/>

== See also ==
* [[Uncrewed spaceflights to the International Space Station]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
{{Reflist|30em}}

<ref name="NextSF">{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/4753 |website=NextSpaceflight |title=Status - CRS-25|first=Michael|last=Baylor|date=1 September 2020|access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref>

<ref name=grc-planned>{{cite web|url=https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/space/iss-research/microgravity-research-flights/|title=Microgravity Research Flights|work=Glenn Research Center|publisher=NASA|date=22 April 2020 |access-date=29 September 2020}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name=nasa-spacex-crs>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/launch/spacex.html |title=SpaceX Commercial Resupply |work=ISS Program Office|publisher=NASA|date=1 July 2019 |access-date=29 September 2020}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name=nasa-oig-18016>{{cite report|url=https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-18-016.pdf|title=Audit of Commercial Resupply Services to the International Space Center|author=Office of Inspector General |publisher=NASA|volume=IG-18-016|pages=24,28–30|date=26 April 2018|access-date=29 September 2020}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name=spacex-dragon2>{{cite web|url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-no-crew-dragon-spaceship-reuse-nasa-astronaut-launches/cargo-dragon-2-required-modifications/|title=Dragon 2 modifications to Carry Cargo for CRS-2 missions|publisher=Teslarati|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref>

<ref name=sfn20190802>{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/08/02/spacex-to-begin-flights-under-new-cargo-resupply-contract-next-year/|title=SpaceX to begin flights under new cargo resupply contract next year|author=Clark, Stephen|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=2 August 2019|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref>

<ref name="Upcoming-ELaNa">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/content/upcoming-elana-cubesat-launches|title=Upcoming ELaNa CubeSat Launches|publisher=[[NASA]]|date=6 May 2020|access-date=29 September 2020}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name=grc-research>{{cite web|url=https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/space/iss-research/|title=ISS Research Program|work=Glenn Research Center|publisher=NASA|date=1 January 2020|access-date=29 September 2020}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.nasa.gov/ NASA]
* [http://www.nasa.gov/ NASA]
* [http://www.spacex.com/dragon SpaceX official page for the Dragon spacecraft]
* [http://www.spacex.com/dragon SpaceX official page for the Dragon spacecraft]
* [https://foreign.gov.mt/en/Government/Press%20Releases/Pages/Project-Maleth-first-results-and-preparation-of-next-mission-experiment-to-launch-on-‘Sette-Giugno’-2022-aboard-SpaceX-Drag.aspx/ Government of Malta Press Release]
* [https://www.esa.int/ European Space Agency (ESA)]


{{Portalbar|Spaceflight}}
{{Portalbar|Spaceflight}}
Line 133: Line 123:
{{Falcon rocket launches}}
{{Falcon rocket launches}}
{{Uncrewed ISS flights}}
{{Uncrewed ISS flights}}
{{Future spaceflights}}


[[Category:SpaceX Dragon 2]]
[[Category:SpaceX Dragon 2]]
[[Category:SpaceX payloads contracted by NASA]]
[[Category:SpaceX payloads contracted by NASA]]
[[Category:Supply vehicles for the International Space Station]]
[[Category:Supply vehicles for the International Space Station]]
[[Category:2022 in spaceflight]]
[[Category:Spacecraft launched in 2022]]
[[Category:2022 in the United States]]
[[Category:2022 in the United States]]
[[Category:Spacecraft which reentered in 2022]]

Latest revision as of 23:27, 13 August 2024

SpaceX CRS-25
CRS-25 mission approaching the ISS
NamesSpX-25
Mission typeISS resupply
OperatorSpaceX
COSPAR ID2022-081A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.53113Edit this on Wikidata
Mission duration36 days, 18 hours, 9 minutes
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftCargo Dragon C208
Spacecraft typeCargo Dragon
BusSpaceX Dragon 2
ManufacturerSpaceX
Launch mass6,000kg (13,000 lb)
Dry mass9,525 kg (20,999 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date15 July 2022, 00:44:22 UTC[1]
RocketFalcon 9 Block 5 (B1067.5)
Launch siteKennedy Space Center, LC-39A
End of mission
Recovered byMV Megan
Landing date20 August 2022, 18:53 UTC
Landing siteAtlantic Ocean
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Inclination51.66°
Docking with ISS
Docking portHarmony forward
Docking date16 July 2022, 15:21 UTC
Undocking date19 August 2022, 15:05 UTC
Time docked33 days, 23 hours, 44 minutes

SpaceX CRS-25 mission patch
← NG-17
NG-18 →

SpaceX CRS-25, also known as SpX-25, was a Commercial Resupply Service mission (CRS) to the International Space Station (ISS) that was launched on 15 July 2022. The mission was contracted by NASA and was flown by SpaceX using their reusable spacecraft, the Cargo Dragon. The vehicle delivered supplies to the crew aboard the ISS along with multiple pieces of equipment that will be used to conduct multiple research investigations aboard the ISS.

The launch of CRS-25 was delayed to July 11 to investigate issues in the Dragon's propulsion system detected during pre-launch testing. The previously scheduled launch date was June 10.

Mission overview

[edit]

Objective

[edit]

SpX-25 was a Commercial Resupply Service mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This flight was the 25th resupply flight of cargo sent to the International Space Station.

Timeline

[edit]

SpX-25 was launched on July 15, 2022 [2](0:44 Universal Time) on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.[3] Dragon arrived at ISS on July 16, 2022. The SpX-25 mission lasted 36 days, 18 hours and 9 minutes, coming down off the Florida coast on August 20, 2022.[4]

Delay

[edit]

According to NASA,[5] elevated levels of monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) vapor were detected in the spacecraft's propulsion system, causing the launch mission to be delayed for repairs. The entire affected area of the spacecraft was removed and investigated before proceeding with the launch.

Cargo Dragon

[edit]

The Cargo Dragon is a cargo spacecraft designed by SpaceX, and it is currently the only spacecraft capable of not only sending cargo into space but also returning cargo back to Earth.[6] It utilizes the Falcon 9 rocket as its launch vehicle which detaches from the Dragon once it reaches orbit. The Cargo Dragon launched with 5,800 lb (2,600 kg) of crew supplies, tools, and scientific equipment to support NASA and ISS research.[7]

Re-usability

[edit]

This is the third flight of the particular Cargo Dragon unit[8] to space and SpaceX's 25th commercial resupply mission.[2] The Falcon 9 was used to launch SpX-25 into space and is also partially reusable. Various parts of the Falcon 9 are recoverable and relaunched for future supply missions. The Cargo Dragon spacecraft itself is preserved by the parachute-assisted splashdown technique[9] allowing boats to retrieve and reuse parts. Recycling parts of Cargo Dragon and Falcon 9 significantly minimizes the cost to launch crafts into space and optimizes resources for future missions.

Cargo details

[edit]

SpX-25 hauled $118 million worth of resources[8] and about 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) of supplies.[3][6]

Research contributions

Four significant studies on board SpX-25 were delivered and researched at the ISS:

Earth's dust patterns

[edit]

As part of the SpX-25 resupply mission, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) developed Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) in order to track the mineral composition of dust on the arid regions of Earth. Dust can have a cooling effect or heating effect depending on its mineral composition. EMIT is a 1-year investigation that will collect images to track and generate maps of dust patterns and provide insight into the local, regional, or global effects of dust as it travels through the atmosphere.[10]

Immune system aging

[edit]

Immunosenescence is the dysfunction and change of the immune system of the elderly and it occurs as a natural part of the aging process. This process is linked to a higher propensity to infection, a higher risk of autoimmune disorders, and an increased risk of malignancies such as cancer.[11] The ISS is conducting research on how microgravity in space might negatively affect these processes to better understand immune system aging and develop treatments to protect astronauts from the possible of microgravity. Additionally, microgravity provides a medium to study immune system aging at an accelerated rate, making it a helpful tool to study immune system aging and find applications on Earth.[11]

CubeSats

[edit]

CubeSats are a category of research spacecraft called nano-satellites. A CubeSat allows small satellite cargo to fly on rockets headed to space. CubeSats involve small experiments that can be small and inexpensive to build and launch. Their compact functionality broadens accessibility to spacial research and technology development to students, universities, and other related initiatives.[12]

Genes in space

[edit]

This is one of many experiment launches sent to the ISS on board SpX-25. This study will observe the process of cell-free protein production in microgravity. This study is conducted without the use of living cells and is carried out by using biosensors to detect particular target molecules present in the cell. The success of this study would create low-resource, portable, and low-cost technology for medical applications.[2]

European Space Agency (ESA) research and activities [13]

[edit]
  • ESA's BIOFILMS (Biofilm Inhibition On Flight equipment and on board the ISS using microbiologically Lethal Metal Surfaces) experiment investigating bacterial biofilm formation and antimicrobial properties of different metal surfaces under spaceflight conditions in altered gravity [14]
[edit]
SpaceX CRS-25
  • Launch of CRS-25
    Launch of CRS-25
  • Cargo Dragon approaching the ISS
    Cargo Dragon approaching the ISS
  • Cargo Dragon nears the ISS
    Cargo Dragon nears the ISS
  • Cargo Dragon departing the ISS
    Cargo Dragon departing the ISS

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Clark, Stephen (15 July 2022). "SpaceX launches 25th Dragon resupply mission to space station". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Kanayama, Lee (14 July 2022). "SpaceX and NASA launch CRS-25 mission to the ISS". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  3. ^ a b Garcia, Mark (19 August 2022). "Dragon Departs Station to Return Scientific Cargo to Earth". blogs.nasa.gov. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  4. ^ "SpaceX". SpaceX. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  5. ^ Garcia, Mark (6 June 2022). "Dragon Mission on Hold as Astronauts Conduct Eye Exams, Spacesuit Work". blogs.nasa.gov. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  6. ^ a b Kordina, Florian (14 July 2022). "Dragon CRS-2 SpX-25 | Falcon 9 Block 5". Everyday Astronaut. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  7. ^ Kordina, Florian (14 July 2022). "Dragon CRS-2 SpX-25 | Falcon 9 Block 5". Everyday Astronaut. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  8. ^ a b Clark, Stephen. "SpaceX launches 25th Dragon resupply mission to space station – Spaceflight Now". Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  9. ^ Guzman, Ana (16 August 2022). "SpaceX CRS-25 Dragon Returns with Scientific Hardware & Samples". NASA. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  10. ^ "Soil, Sutures, and Climate Modeling Among Investigations Riding SpaceX CRS-25 Dragon to International Space Station". NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  11. ^ a b Lian, Jingyao; Yue, Ying; Yu, Weina; Zhang, Yi (10 November 2020). "Immunosenescence: a key player in cancer development". Journal of Hematology & Oncology. 13 (1): 151. doi:10.1186/s13045-020-00986-z. ISSN 1756-8722. PMC 7653700. PMID 33168037.
  12. ^ "CubeSats and SmallSats". NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  13. ^ "European Space Agency". www.esa.int. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  14. ^ "Film and cultures".
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=SpaceX_CRS-25&oldid=1240177070"