![]() CRS-24 mission docked to ISS | |
Names | SpX-24 |
---|---|
Mission type | ISS resupply |
Operator | SpaceX |
COSPAR ID | 2021-127A |
SATCAT no. | 50318 ![]() |
Mission duration | 34 days, 10 hours, 57 minutes |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | Cargo Dragon C209 |
Spacecraft type | Cargo Dragon |
Manufacturer | SpaceX |
Launch mass | 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) |
Payload mass | 2,989 kg (6,590 lb) |
Dimensions | 8.1 m (27 ft) (height) 4 m (13 ft) (diameter) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 21 December 2021, 10:07:08 UTC [1] |
Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 B1069-1 |
Launch site | Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A |
End of mission | |
Recovered by | MV GO Searcher |
Landing date | 24 January 2022, 21:05 UTC [2] |
Landing site | Gulf of Mexico |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
Regime | Low Earth orbit |
Inclination | 51.66° |
Docking with International Space Station | |
Docking port | Harmony zenith |
Docking date | 22 December 2021, 08:41 UTC |
Undocking date | 23 January 2022, 15:40 UTC |
Time docked | 32 days, 6 hours, 59 minutes (achieved) |
Cargo | |
Mass | 2,989 kg (6,590 lb) |
Pressurised | 2,081 kg (4,588 lb) |
Unpressurised | 908 kg (2,002 lb) |
![]() SpaceX CRS-24 mission patch |
SpaceX CRS-24, also known as SpX-24, was a Commercial Resupply Service mission to the International Space Station launched on 21 December 2021, at 10:07:08 UTC. [3] [4] The mission is contracted by NASA and is flown by SpaceX using a Cargo Dragon. This is the fourth flight for SpaceX under NASA's CRS Phase 2 contract awarded in January 2016. [5]
SpaceX plans to reuse the Cargo Dragons up to five times. The Cargo Dragon is launched without SuperDraco abort engines, without seats, cockpit controls and the life support system required to sustain astronauts in space. [6] [7] [8] The new Cargo Dragon capsules under the NASA CRS Phase 2 contract will land east of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. [6] [8]
NASA contracted for the CRS-24 mission from SpaceX and therefore determines the primary payload, date of launch, and orbital parameters for the Cargo Dragon C209. [9] (This effectively determined C209'a turnaround time, which broke the shortness record for reusable orbital spacecraft, at 164.3 days.) [10] Two educational microcontrollers (Astro Pi [11] and Calliope mini [12] ) are also being delivered as part of the payload of this mission.
SpaceX CRS-24 carries over 2,989 kg (6,590 lb) of science experiments, instruments, supplies, hardware, and Christmas presents up to the ISS and the crew of Expedition 66. [5]
ANITA-2 is a trace gas monitoring system developed by OHB and SINTEF under contract of ESA. [13]
A technology demonstration mission which consists of the following payloads: [14]
A technology demonstration mission which consists of the microwave radiometers COWVR and TEMPEST. [12]
The following research experiments will fly on SpaceX CRS-24: [5]
European Space Agency (ESA) research and activities:
Rodent Research-18 Astronauts can experience eye problems after returning from space, along with headaches and blurred vision. Rodent Research-18 investigates how spaceflight affects visual function, examining changes in the vascular system of the retina and the ways specific cells interact. A better understanding of the process and biological mechanisms behind these effects could support development of more effective countermeasures. This mission will specifically test metalloporphyrin, an antioxidant that may protect against the irreversible oxidative damage observed in eye structure and function during and after spaceflight. This investigation could also lead to new therapies for neurovascular-related eye diseases and retinal degeneration in people on Earth.
The following ISS hardware is launched on SpaceX CRS-24: [5]
Launch:
Return:
Five CubeSats were planned for deployment on this mission and on 26 January 2022 the Japanese Remote Manipulator System RMS arm extracted Nanoracks NRCSD-22 from the Kibō airlock; NRCSD-22 then ejected five cubesats (ELaNa 38):
One of the four parachutes' deployment lagged behind the others. The same issue was observed during SpaceX Crew-2. [18]