Meet our #LaunchAmerica Astronauts Flying on a SpaceX Spacecraft

TL;DR

SpaceX crew members prepare for launch, answer questions from the media, and discuss their preparations and expectations.

Transcript

GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO OUR FINAL Q&A WITH THE CREW MEMBERS OF THE SPACEX DEMO TWO FLIGHT. ROBERT BEHNKEN AND DOUG HURLEY ARE ONE WEEK AWAY FROM BECOME THE FIRST TO LAUNCH FROM THE UNITED STATES SINCE 2011. THEY'RE JOINING US AND WE HAVE 25 MINUTES WITH THEM. SO WE'LL LET THEM MAKE BRIEF REMARKS AND TAKE QUESTIONS. PARTICIPANTS CAN PRESS S... Read More

Key Insights

• 🪛 The crew members have been in quarantine since March 15th, longer than any other space crew in history.
• 🛃 The Crew Dragon spacesuits are custom-sized and unique compared to previous spacesuits.
• ✋ Both crew members have a high level of trust and confidence in each other's abilities and preparation for the mission.
• 😊 The crew members are proud to be part of a mission that is taking place despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 🥡 The risks associated with the test flight have been carefully assessed, and the crew members are confident in the decisions and precautions taken.
• 🧑‍💼 The crew members have had extensive involvement and understanding of the development and trade-offs made for the mission.
• 👣 The Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft have a successful track record, providing additional confidence in the mission's safety.

Questions & Answers

Q: When will the crew members see their families for the last time before launch?

The crew members will see their families briefly at the launch pad before heading to the car. It will be the final meeting before launch.

Q: Is Chris Cassidy looking forward to the crew members joining him on the International Space Station?

Chris Cassidy is excited for the crew members to join him on the ISS and is ready for some human interaction with them.

Q: Have the crew members been tested for COVID-19 and will they continue to be tested before liftoff?

The crew members have been tested twice and may be tested once more before launch. They have been in quarantine since March 15th and have been following all necessary precautions.

Q: Have the crew members named their Crew Dragon spacecraft?

Yes, the crew members have named their Crew Dragon spacecraft. The name will be revealed on launch day.

Q: Are the crew members bringing any payloads with them?

The focus of their mission is the flight test, so they have minimal payloads. They will be supporting operations associated with the HTV and leaving behind hardware for future space exploration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Robert Behnken and Doug Hurley are one week away from launching from the United States for the first time since 2011.

• The crew members will see their families for the last time before launch, with a brief meeting at the launch pad.

• The astronauts discuss their expectations for the mission and the preparations they have undergone.