SpaceX Works to Ready Launch Pad for First Crew Dragon Launch with Astronauts
SpaceX is on a tight deadline as it races to prepare its launch pad for its first Crew Dragon launch with astronauts. A crew access arm was recently lifted into place at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral, indicating progress in the construction of a new crew and cargo access tower. The completion of this tower will provide an additional launch pad for SpaceX and its customers, allowing for more opportunities and a smaller timeframe for launches.
The tower’s debut mission is expected to be Axiom Space’s third private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), known as Ax-3. This mission, scheduled for mid-January, will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría and will involve three European astronauts. However, the availability of Launch Complex-39A for this mission is limited due to a packed schedule. Therefore, Ax-3 may mark the first launch from the new tower at SLC-40.
Currently, SpaceX and Russia’s Roscosmos agency are the only options for accessing the ISS. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is scheduled to enter rotation next year, providing another option for the United States. With the completion of the new tower, SpaceX will have increased capacity for launching both crew and cargo missions to the ISS.
The tight launch schedule at Launch Complex-39A also adds pressure for the completion of the new tower. The schedule includes the launch of the first Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) mission by Intuitive Machines, which requires unique capabilities only available at Launch Complex-39A. The Nova C lander, which will be used in this mission, must be fueled at the launch pad using equipment provided by SpaceX.
To avoid congestion and maintain a streamlined schedule, SpaceX aims to have the new crew and cargo access tower ready in time for Ax-3’s launch from SLC-40. However, if the tower is not ready, Ax-3 may still be launched from Launch Complex-39A, causing further scheduling difficulties.
Construction crews have recently installed the crew access arm and continue to work on other major components of the tower. This includes the emergency egress system, which will provide a quick escape route for astronauts and support personnel in case of emergencies.
SpaceX officials have announced that the tower’s construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Despite the challenges and time constraints, SpaceX is determined to meet its customers’ needs and accommodate the increasing demand for launches to the ISS and commercial space stations in the coming years.