Today, SpaceX released their press kit for the mission. You can view it here:
http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/spacex_nasa_crs-6_presskit.pdf
There is a plethora of information in the kit, including details about the science payload the capsule will be carrying. Supplies on board will include materials to support an investigation on the vision changes that more than half of American astronauts experience during and after long duration spaceflight. Per the press kit, "It is hypothesized that the headward fluid shift that occurs during space flight leads to increased pressure in the brain, which may push on the back of the eye, causing it to change shape. The study will measure how much fluid shifts from the lower body to the upper body, in or out of cells and blood vessels, and determine the impact these shifts have on fluid pressure in the head, changes in vision and eye structures."
Super interesting stuff, isn't it?
After five weeks attached to the ISS, the Dragon capsule will return to Earth (via a splash down in the Pacific Ocean) with over 3,000 pounds of cargo and packaging, including crew supplies, hardware and computer resources, science experiments, space station hardware and trash.
Also in the press kit was a list detailing exactly what happens during countdown.
28 hour before launch, Dragon is powered on. Ten hours before launch, Falcon 9 is powered on. Three hours pre-launch, they commence loading RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) . At the two-hour, 35 minute mark, liquid oxygen (LOX) loading is commenced. Ninety minutes before launch, LOX and RP-1 loading is complete. At T-minus 10 minutes, Falcon 9 terminal count autosequence is started and the Dragon terminal count autosequence is started. At 2 minutes before launch, SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch and Range Control Officer (USAF) verifies range is go for launch. At one minute before scheduled launch, the command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks. With 40 seconds to go, they pressurize propellant tanks, at three seconds, the engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start. At 0:00 it's time for Falcon 9 liftoff!
And let's not forget, after launch, SpaceX will be attempting to safely land the first stage of the rocket on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean. Here's a great graphic from SpaceX explaining that procedure. (If you click on the photo, you will see a larger version.)
You can read more about the recovery attempt in an article on Space.Com:
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/203209-spacex-will-try-landing-its-falcon-9-rocket-on-a-drone-ship-again-on-monday
INTO THE WILD: The many, many zucchini starts we had going were taking over our kitchen, so we decided today was the day to get them out into the real world. We planted a trio in the raised bed, and the rest in a strip of soil at the top of our rockery. Some cilantro babies also went outside, to a planter along our alley.
MATINEE: This afternoon, we watched a short, LEGO-animated movie. It was a fanciful tale about Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity) finding love on the Red Planet.
The movie, 2015 Calmax Studio ©, was directed by Calixte Charles, with music by Kevin McLeod & DJ Pretentious. Per its YouTube info, it was inspired by Wall-E and NASA's Curiosity.
BOW WOW: Coming up this weekend is our annual visit to "Paws on Science" at Pacific Science Center. There, we'll have a chance to meet some 50 University of Washington scientists and researchers, and check out fun, interactive explorations.
Here's a short video the UW has put together about the event
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I sure am hoping CJ is able to find a scientist or two to talk to about exoplanets and theoretical propulsion systems.
Looking forward to Christian's reports.
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