 CRS-30 docked to the ISS | |
| Names | SpX-30 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | ISS resupply |
| Operator | SpaceX |
| COSPAR ID | 2024-054A |
| SATCATno. | 59287 |
| Mission duration | 39 days, 8 hours, 43 minutes |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Cargo Dragon C209 |
| Spacecraft type | Cargo Dragon |
| Manufacturer | SpaceX |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 21 March 2024, 20:55 (2024-03-21UTC20:55Z) UTC (4:55 am EDT)[1] |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5B1080-6 |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral,SLC‑40 |
| End of mission | |
| Recovered by | MV Shannon |
| Landing date | 30 April 2024, 05:38 (2024-04-30UTC05:38Z) UTC (1:38 am EDT) |
| Landing site | Gulf of Mexico |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Inclination | 51.66° |
| Docking withISS | |
| Docking port | Harmony zenith |
| Docking date | 23 March 2024, 11:19 UTC |
| Undocking date | 28 April 2024, 17:10 UTC |
| Time docked | 36 days, 5 hours, 51 minutes |
| Cargo | |
| Mass | 2,841 kg (6,263 lb) |
| Pressurised | 2,210 kg (4,870 lb) |
| Unpressurised | 631 kg (1,391 lb) |
 Mission patch | |
SpaceX CRS-30, sometimes identified byNASA asSpX-30, was an Americancargo spacecraft flight to theInternational Space Station (ISS), that launched on 21 March 2024. It was operated bySpaceX under aCommercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract with NASA. The spacecraft is aCargo Dragon, serial numberC209, which made its fourth flight on this mission. This mission was the first Cargo Dragon to launch fromCape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 since the second generation capsule was introduced on theSpaceX CRS-21 mission. In that time, a tower and access arm were added to the pad, allowing late loading of supplies into the spacecraft.
SpaceX plans to reuse the Cargo Dragons up to five times. The Cargo Dragon doesn't requireSuperDraco abort engines, seats, cockpit controls, or the life support system required to sustain astronauts in space.[2][3]Dragon 2 improves onDragon 1 in several ways, including lessened refurbishment time, leading to shorter periods between flights.[4]
The new Cargo Dragon capsules under the NASA CRS Phase 2 contract land east ofFlorida in the Atlantic Ocean,[2][4] so that cargo can be returned more quickly toCape Canaveral after splashdown.
Falcon 9 and Cargo Dragon launched at 20:55 UTC on 21 March 2024, forSpaceX's 30thcommercial resupply services mission to theInternational Space Station. Falcon 9's first stage booster B1080 successfully landed atLanding Zone-1 (LZ-1) eight minutes after launch, and Cargo Dragon separated from the 2nd stage 4 minutes later.[5] Dragon autonomously docked to the International Space Station'sHarmony module on Saturday, March 23, at 11:19 UTC. It delivered 2,841 kilograms of supplies and a spare pump for the station'sexternal thermal loop system, which was located in Dragon's trunk.[6] CRS-30 was the first to launch with a Dragon spacecraft fromLaunch Complex 40 atCape Canaveral,[7] and the first to use the newly-constructed crew and cargo access tower at the pad.[8]
The Cargo Dragon spacecraft was loaded with a total of 2,841 kilograms (6,263 lb) of cargo and supplies before its launch, including 2,841 kilograms (6,263 lb) of pressurised and 631 kilograms (1,391 lb) of unpressurised cargo.
The cargo manifest is broken down as follows:[9]
Various experiments will be transported to the orbiting laboratory, and will provide valuable insight for researchers.[7]
SpaceX’s Dragon will deliver new science investigations, food, supplies, and equipment to the international crew. NASA and partner research flying aboard the CRS-30 mission includes a look atplant metabolism in space and a set of newsensors for free-flying Astrobee robots to provide3D mapping capabilities. Other studies include afluid physics study that could benefitnanoparticlesolar cell technology and auniversity project fromCSA (Canadian Space Agency) that will monitor seaice andocean conditions.[7]
Signals of OpportunityP-band Investigation (SNOOPI) is a 6UCubeSat mission led by James Garrison, a professor atPurdue University, aimed at usingP-band signals from telecommunications satellites to measuresoil moisture andsnow water content from space. This project is significant for enhancing agricultural practices,water management, and climate prediction by offering a more accessible method to gather important environmental data. Unlike traditional methods that face challenges with radio frequency spectrum access and require large antennas, SNOOPI uses an innovative approach that captures reflected signals from the Earth's surface to measure moisture and snow depth. This technique, known as P-band signals of opportunityreflectometry, is effective because it can penetrate vegetation and provide accurate data on soil and snow conditions. This mission not only seeks to validate the effectiveness of using P-band signals for environmental measurements but also aims to pave the way for future space missions by providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for global monitoring of soil moisture and snow water equivalent.
Plants can be used inregenerativelife support systems, to providefood, and to contribute to thewell-being ofastronauts on futuredeep space exploration missions. C4Photosynthesis in Space (APEX-09) examines howmicrogravity affects the mechanisms by which two types ofgrasses, known as C3 and C4, capturecarbon dioxide from the atmosphere.[10] Results could clarify plant responses tostressful environments and inform the design ofbio-regenerative life support systems on future missions, as well as systems forplant growth on Earth.[10]
A technique calledGlobal Navigation Satellite System reflectometry (GNSS-R), which receivessatellitesignals reflected from the surface of Earth, as a way to monitorocean phenomena and improveclimate models. Killick-1: AGNSS Reflectometry CubeSat for MeasuringSea Ice Thickness and Extent (Nanoracks KILLICK-1) tests using this technique to measure sea ice. The project supports development of space and science capabilities inNewfoundland andLabrador,Canada, by providing hands-on experience with space systems and Earth observation. More than 100 undergraduate and graduate engineering students participated in the project. GNSS-R technology islow-cost, light, andenergy efficient. Its potential applications on Earth include providing data for weather and climate models and improving the understanding of ocean phenomena such assurface winds andstorm surge.[10]
Multi-resolution Scanner (MRS) Payload for theAstrobee (Multi-Resolution Scanning) tests technology toautomate3D sensing, mapping, and situational awareness systems. The technology combines multiplesensors, which compensates for weaknesses in any one of them and provides veryhigh-resolution3D data and more accuratetrajectory data to understand how therobot moves around in space. The technology could be used forautonomous operation of spacecraft withminimal or no human occupancy where robots must sense the environment and precisely maneuver, including thelunar Gateway space station. Other uses could be to inspect and maintain spacecraft and for autonomous vehicle operations on othercelestial bodies. Results also support improvements in robotic technologies for harsh and dangerous environments on Earth.[10]
TheNano ParticleHaloing Suspension investigation examines how nanoparticles andmicroparticles interact within anelectrical field. A process called nanoparticle haloing usescharged nanoparticles to enable precise particle arrangements that improve the efficiency ofquantum-dot synthesizedsolar cells. Quantum dots are tinyspheres ofsemiconductor material with the potential to convertsunlight intoenergy much moreefficiently. Conducting these processes inmicrogravity provides insight into the relationship betweenshape, charge,concentration, and interaction of particles. The investigation is supported byNASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which partners withgovernment,higher education, and industry on projects to improve a research infrastructure and research and development capacity andcompetitiveness.[10]
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