Watch SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon rocket launch

CNET Highlights · May 30, 2020 · 14:20 · English · Launch

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Video from the channel CNET Highlights about Falcon 9, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 14:20. Language: English. Video type: Launch.

The mission

The video shows the launch of a Falcon 9 with a Crew Dragon capsule carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was the first crewed flight of the Falcon 9, and the team presents it as the United States' return to crewed flights to low Earth orbit from the Florida coast.

Sequence

After the countdown, the rocket throttles down to pass through the zone of maximum dynamic pressure, exceeds Mach 1 and returns to full power. The commentators go over the abort zones being covered along the East Coast and the acceleration endured by the crew, about 2.3 g in the first phase. After the shutdown of the first stage's nine Merlin engines and separation, the second stage's Merlin Vacuum engine propels Dragon until its shutdown, expected at 8 minutes 44 seconds. Meanwhile, the first stage deploys its grid fins and performs the reentry burn with three engines on its way to the droneship Of Course I Still Love You. The interior cameras show the astronauts and the cabin displays.

Outcome

A nominal orbital insertion is confirmed, and shortly after, Dragon separation, as it begins its journey to the station with checks of the Draco thrusters and activation of life support. The launch team bids farewell to the crew, who thank them for Falcon 9's first flight with people aboard.