In a celestial double feature, SpaceX and NASA are orchestrating the departure of two spacecraft, Dragon and Cygnus, from the International Space Station (ISS) on December 22. The simultaneous undocking marks the culmination of cargo resupply missions, with Dragon scheduled for a splashdown near Florida and Cygnus set for a unique atmospheric exit.
Mission Details:
- Dragon’s Journey: Launched on November 10 from Kennedy Space Center, Dragon is concluding its 29th commercial resupply mission, delivering vital cargo to the ISS. The undocking is slated for 3:35 am IST on December 22, with a splashdown off Florida’s coast a few hours later.
- Cygnus’ Exit: Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft, having arrived at the ISS on August 4, is set to depart at 6:35 pm on December 22. Unlike Dragon, Cygnus will not splashdown but safely disintegrate in the atmosphere.
Where to Watch Live:
- NASA will provide a live stream of Dragon’s departure on its app, website, and YouTube channel 20 minutes before the undocking.
- SpaceX’s X profile will offer real-time updates on Dragon’s departure.
- For Cygnus’ undocking, streaming will commence at 6:15 pm on NASA’s app, website, and YouTube channel.
Weather Delay:
Originally scheduled for December 21 at 7:35 am IST, Dragon’s departure was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions at the splashdown zone.
Scientific Payload:
Dragon, launched with several science experiments in microgravity, spans a spectrum of research, including enhanced communications technology, water filtration, and respiratory system studies. These advancements contribute to astronaut well-being during extended space travel and lay the groundwork for future explorations beyond low-Earth orbit, aligning with NASA’s Artemis missions and the ultimate goal of Mars exploration.
As space enthusiasts await this cosmic spectacle, the synchronized departure of Dragon and Cygnus showcases the collaborative efforts of NASA and SpaceX in advancing space exploration.
