SpaceX Falcon 9 CRS NG-20 Launch Details and Viewing Locations
On January 29, 2024, at 12:30 PM, SpaceX will be launching the Falcon 9 CRS NG-20 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission is in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and is the 20th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The primary purpose of this mission is to deliver scientific research, crew supplies, and hardware to the orbiting laboratory for NASA.
Launch Viewing Options
If you’re interested in witnessing this historic launch, there are two viewing locations available. The first option is the Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area, which is approximately 6.2 miles or 10 kilometers from the launch pad. Access to this viewing area is included with valid admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The viewing area opens at 9:30 AM and can be accessed via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the launch and enjoy launch video, audio, and communicator commentary.
The second viewing location is the Atlantis North Lawn, located to the left when approaching Space Shuttle Atlantis®. From this vantage point, you can see the rocket once it clears the tree line. The Atlantis North Lawn is approximately 6.8 miles or 10.8 kilometers from the launch pad. Admission to the visitor complex includes access to this viewing area, which opens at 10:30 AM. Similar to the Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area, visitors at the Atlantis North Lawn will have access to launch audio, video, and communicator commentary.
Mission Details
The Falcon 9 CRS NG-20 rocket is a product of SpaceX, a renowned private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company. This particular rocket belongs to the Block 5 series of Falcon 9 rockets. The launch will take place at Space Launch Complex 40, which is the designated launch pad for this mission.
The payload for this mission is the NG-20 Cygnus Spacecraft, which will be used for a NASA resupply mission to the International Space Station. The Cygnus Spacecraft will carry scientific research, crew supplies, and hardware necessary for ongoing experiments and operations on the ISS.
Furthermore, the booster for this launch will be landing at Landing Zone 1 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This is a significant aspect of SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology, as they aim to recover and reuse boosters to reduce costs and increase efficiency in space missions.
Conclusion
The upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 CRS NG-20 launch is an exciting event for space enthusiasts and those interested in witnessing the advancements in space exploration. With two viewing locations available, visitors can choose to experience the launch from either the Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area or the Atlantis North Lawn. Both locations offer unique perspectives and access to launch audio, video, and communicator commentary.
As SpaceX continues to collaborate with NASA and other organizations to deliver supplies and conduct research on the International Space Station, these launches serve as a testament to the progress being made in space technology. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness history in the making at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.