SpaceX Launches Crew-4 Mission to International Space Station
Four astronauts embark on six-month science mission
Expedition 67 to conduct over 200 experiments and research projects
Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. – SpaceX has successfully launched a Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's Crew-4 mission. The launch took place from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 27, 2023, at 9:52 PM EDT.
The Crew-4 astronauts are NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren, Bob Hines, Jessica Watkins, and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. They will spend approximately six months on the ISS, conducting over 200 experiments and research projects in various areas, including human health, materials science, and Earth observation.
Expedition 67, the current ISS crew, welcomed the Crew-4 astronauts to the station on April 29, 2023. They will now begin their busy science mission, which includes:
- Investigating the effects of microgravity on the human body, including cardiovascular health, bone density, and cognitive function.
- Testing new technologies and materials for future space exploration missions.
- Studying the Earth's climate and environment from a unique vantage point.
The Crew-4 mission is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between NASA and its international partners in space exploration. The astronauts' work on the ISS will contribute to our understanding of the universe and advance our capabilities for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Crew-4 astronauts are expected to return to Earth in October 2023. Their mission is a continuation of NASA's long-term presence on the ISS, which has served as a platform for scientific research and international cooperation for over two decades.
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