This week NASA is getting ready for a big week in space, with many events. Let's jump in!
Wednesday: Possible Docking with ISS
Cygnus cargo ship is trying to reach the International Space Station (ISS) with only 1 solar array deployed. Launched on Monday morning, the spacecraft is taking experiments and other supplies to the ISS. But only one of its solar panels is deployed; the other one is stuck. However, Northrop Grumman, the operator, reported to NASA that it can still dock, Cygnus just needs to get rid of some unnecessary equipment to save power.
Thursday: Possible Launch of Weather Satellite and Technology Demonstration
Planned to launch around 4:30 a.m., NASA will be launching the JPSS-2 weather satellite and the technology demonstration.
Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID)
LOFTID is an inflatable heat shield that NASA wants to use when they send a crewed mission to Mars. LOFTID is supposed to enter Earth's atmosphere and then splash down in the ocean.
Sunday: Moon Orbital Insertion
NASA’s CAPSTONE satellite is supposed to get into lunar orbit; the microwave-sized spacecraft was launched to the moon in June. NASA decided to take a longer trip, by getting into Earth orbit and slowly raising it. Now after almost 4 months, it’s ready to enter orbit.
Late Sunday/early Monday: Artemis 1 Launch
NASA’s Artemis 1 mission will launch the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft to the moon. Orion will stay in deep space for a record 25 days and then splash down in the ocean on Friday, December 9.
Hopefully, NASA will be able to complete all of the missions successfully this week!
(Please note that the launch times, dockings, and orbital institutions could change.)
To see NASA’s schedule look here!