NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Launch Set for Sept. 28

SpaceX is set to launch its Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 28, 2024, at 1:17 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-40. This mission will mark the first human spaceflight from this pad and will feature NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexandr Gorbunov. The launch has been slightly delayed due to weather concerns related to Hurricane Helene, with a 55% chance of favorable conditions predicted. The Crew-9 mission will only carry two astronauts instead of the usual four due to adjustments made for returning astronauts from a previous Boeing Starliner flight. NASA has upgraded the launch pad to support crewed flights, incorporating safety features like a launch support tower and an escape system. This mission represents a significant milestone in NASA's partnership with SpaceX for crew rotation to the ISS.