“Crew 8” arrived at Kennedy Space Center Sunday afternoon ahead of their upcoming launch to the ISS this week. The eighth commercial crew launch is scheduled for 12:04 AM Friday morning, and Crew 8 can’t wait to get there.
Representing a blend of experience and new talent, Crew 8 consists of NASA astronauts Commander Matthew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialist Jeanette Epps, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Mission Specialist Alexander Grebenkin. Crew 8 is slated to join the ranks of Expedition 70 and 71 crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This mission is poised to undertake a broad spectrum of operational and research activities.
The arrival of Crew 8 at the Kennedy Space Center was met with enthusiasm and anticipation, as the astronauts prepare for a mission that encapsulates the spirit of international cooperation and scientific discovery. “Arriving at KSC marks the beginning of a journey that extends humanity’s presence in space and our understanding of the universe,” stated Commander Matthew Dominick. With this being his inaugural spaceflight since joining NASA in 2017, Dominick’s career as a U.S. Navy astronaut and his extensive background in electrical and systems engineering underscore the mission’s emphasis on skill and precision.
Pilot Michael Barratt, a seasoned astronaut with two previous missions to the ISS, reflected on the evolution of space exploration. Having flown on one of the last shuttle missions, Barratt noted the “gap” after the last shuttle mission when Kennedy Space Center was virtually silent. Commenting on the recent ramp-up of commercial missions, he said “Kennedy Space Center is back with a vengeance.” “Each mission to the station builds on the legacies of those that came before us, pushing further into the cosmos,” Barratt said. His rich experience in space, totaling 212 days, and his medical background bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of long-duration spaceflight.
Mission Specialist Jeanette Epps is embarking on her first journey to the ISS, bringing a unique perspective from her previous roles at Ford Motor Company and the Central Intelligence Agency, as well as her extensive academic background in physics and aerospace engineering. “This mission represents a culmination of years of training and preparation, offering an opportunity to contribute to vital research that can benefit all of humanity,” Epps shared, highlighting the mission’s broader implications.
Alexander Grebenkin, representing Roscosmos and embarking on his first mission as well, brings valuable expertise in engineering, maintenance, and repair of aircraft radio navigation systems. “Space exploration is a bridge between nations, fostering collaboration and understanding on a global scale,” Grebenkin remarked, underscoring the mission’s role in international cooperation.
A dress rehearsal for launch is scheduled overnight on Monday . SpaceX will perform a so-called “hot-fire” test of the Falcon 9’s first stage engines a day later.
Crew 8’s mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, an initiative working alongside the American aerospace industry to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS. This program signifies a monumental step in American spaceflight, leveraging American-made rockets and spacecraft to sustain and expand human presence in space.
