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NASA and SpaceX gear up for first US astronaut launch in almost a decade

Wednesday's launch will be the first manned mission NASA operates in almost a decade, following the space shuttle's retirement.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - MAY 26: The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft attached is seen as it is prepared for tomorrow's scheduled liftoff from launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on May 25, 2020 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley will be aboard the inaugural flight and will be the first people since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 to be launched into space from the United States. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Image: The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ahead of tomorrow's launch
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For the first time since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA is set to again launch its own astronauts into space from US soil.

Working with billionaire Elon Musk's private spaceflight company SpaceX - which is providing one of its Falcon 9 rockets and Crew Dragon spacecraft - NASA will be regaining a capability which it hasn't held for almost a decade.

  • You can watch the launch live at 9.33pm on Sky News
  • Countdown will begin at 5.15pm
  • Crew will dock with space station at 4.39pm on Thursday
SpaceX's Dragon capsule appeared to explode in a video. Pic: @Astronut099
Image: In 2018, SpaceX's Dragon capsule appeared to explode in a video. Pic: @Astronut099

The mission is not without its risks.

Wednesday's launch marks the first time that SpaceX is taking part in a manned spaceflight, although it has 85 successful launches of unmanned Falcon 9 rockets since 2010.

During a test fire for the Crew Dragon capsule in 2018, the spacecraft exploded on the launch pad.

A subsequent joint investigation between SpaceX and NASA revealed that a titanium fire was the probable cause of the explosion.

It was a terrifying moment for the engineers involved in designing the capsule, which is meant to safely carry human passengers in space, but the Crew Dragon was successfully tested afterwards.

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There is also a risk that the launch could be called off due to poor weather.

The US Air Force has a special team which monitors the weather for air and space operations.

According to the most recent assessment by the 45th Weather Squadron, there is a 60% probability that the weather will prevent the launch from taking place.

Donald Trump told reporters at the White House he was thinking about flying to Florida to watch the launch, although NASA has told the public to remain at home due to COVID-19 restrictions.

At the time, the president jokingly told journalists: "I'd like to put you all on the rocket and get rid of you for a while."

NASA's administrator Jim Bridenstine has said: "Under President Trump's leadership, we are once again launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil."

However, he was rebuked by former astronaut Garrett Reisman, who tweeted: "I am thankful for the continued support from you and the Administration but if there is a President to thank for this milestone, it's Barack Obama."

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  • You can watch the launch, which is scheduled for 9.33pm (British Summer Time), live on Sky News, and join us online to follow updates throughout the day.