A new era begins as SpaceX prepares for its first astronaut launch from SLC-40!

  • NASA has cleared SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission for launch on Sept. 28.
  • The launch will take place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s SLC-40 pad.
  • Two astronauts, Nick Hague and Alexandr Gorbunov, will be launched to the ISS.
  • This mission marks the first time SpaceX is launching only two astronauts since May 2020.
  • NASA had to adjust the crew due to the return of two astronauts from a previous Boeing Starliner mission.
  • The SLC-40 pad has been upgraded for astronaut launches, providing more flexibility for SpaceX.
  • The launch was postponed from Sept. 26 due to bad weather from Hurricane Helene.
  • Weather forecasts show a 55% chance of favorable conditions for the launch.

NASA has officially given the green light for SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, scheduled to launch on September 28 from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s SLC-40 pad. This mission will see two astronauts, NASA veteran Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexandr Gorbunov, head to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Liftoff is set for 1:17 p.m. EDT. This launch is significant as it marks the first time since May 2020 that SpaceX will only send two astronauts to the ISS, a change necessitated by the need to accommodate two other astronauts who were stranded on the ISS after their Boeing Starliner capsule returned to Earth uncrewed. The Crew-9 mission will also utilize the newly upgraded SLC-40 pad, which has been equipped for astronaut launches, allowing SpaceX greater operational flexibility. The launch was initially planned for September 26 but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Helene. Current forecasts indicate a 55% chance of favorable weather for the launch, with backup days available if needed. Viewers can watch the launch live on various platforms starting at 9:10 a.m. EDT.·

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides detailed and relevant information about the upcoming Crew-9 launch, including specifics about the crew, the spacecraft, and the launch pad. While it is mostly factual, there are minor instances of redundancy and some background information that could be considered tangential. Overall, it maintains a high level of accuracy and relevance.·
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the upcoming Crew-9 launch, including details about the astronauts, the spacecraft, and the launch pad. It maintains focus on the topic and offers insights into the implications of using a new launch pad. However, it lacks deeper analysis of long-term trends or the broader impact of these missions, which prevents it from achieving a higher score.·
Public Companies: NASA (N/A), Boeing (BA), SpaceX (N/A)
Key People: Nick Hague (NASA astronaut), Alexandr Gorbunov (Russian cosmonaut), Steve Stich (NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager), Zena Cardman (NASA astronaut), Stephanie Wilson (NASA astronaut), Butch Wilmore (NASA astronaut), Sunita Williams (NASA astronaut), Ken Bowersox (NASA’s associate administrator for space operations), Bill Gerstenmaier (SpaceX’s vice president of build and flight reliability)

Track all markets on TradingView

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The launch of SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission may impact the stock prices and market performance of SpaceX and Boeing, as well as the broader aerospace sector.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a significant space launch involving SpaceX and Boeing, which are major players in the aerospace industry. Such events can influence investor sentiment and market dynamics related to these companies.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses an upcoming astronaut launch and mentions bad weather from Hurricane Helene, but it does not focus on an extreme event that occurred in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Medium
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.space.com