NASA emphasizes safety of ISS crew as it prepares for next astronaut launch
After evacuating four astronauts from the ISS last month, NASA is looking forward to its next crewed mission to the space station.
NASA is preparing to launch a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS). But after the unprecedented evacuation of four astronauts from the station last month – a first in ISS history – the space agency is placing a special emphasis on safety this time.
The upcoming Crew-12 includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fadeyev. Currently, Crew-12 is set to launch sometime in the next two weeks—the exact date has not yet been confirmed as NASA plans to launch Artemis II, Next week, its first manned mission to the Moon in more than 50 years.
Crew-12 is the replacement for Crew-11, which was evacuated from the space station a few weeks ahead of schedule after one of the team’s astronauts fell ill with an unknown illness.
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At a press conference on Friday, NASA Associate Administrator Ken Bowersox emphasized the safety of both Crew-12 and Artemis II The mission is paramount in determining when, exactly, the former will launch to the station. Artemis II It is set for a wet dress rehearsal on Monday, a crucial test of its fuel system. How this happens will determine when it launches; NASA has suggested that the launch will not occur before February 8. If that date moves forward, it could move up Crew-12’s departure from Earth.
Pointing out NASA’s two worst moments in human space exploration contender And Colombia After the disasters, which killed a total of 14 astronauts, Bowersox said any launch in the month of January or February always weighs on NASA in people’s minds. “If you look back in history, we have lost space flight crews in the past,” Bowersox said. “We’re always thinking about how we can conduct our missions safely, and I just want to reassure you that that’s always on our minds as we’re working on these missions.”
The agency’s job is to coordinate the return and launch of Crew-11. Artemis II Establishing Crew-12 in such a short time has been particularly difficult, he said.
On Friday, NASA officials said there were no additional medical tests for Crew-12 or any other changes to preparation protocols prior to their stay on the ISS, given the medical issue that followed Crew-11’s surprise return. In a separate press conference on Friday, NASA astronaut Meir confirmed that there were no new special health checks for the four Crew-12 members.
NASA’s International Space Station deputy administrator, Dina Contella, said the ISS is ready to receive Crew-12, although she acknowledged that the arrival of the crew members would be unusual. Departing crews typically have some time to show their replacements some of the features of the ISS, but the incoming Crew-12 will be greeted by NASA astronaut Chris Williams, who will be able to show them the ropes.
“We are not directly monitoring any issues with the handover not happening,” he said.
Meyer said four members of Crew-12 have been in contact with Crew-11 since their return to the field. “We don’t think there will be any obstacles in the way,” he said.
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