NASA Astronauts have not used the US air space since the shuttle program of 2011. This is going to be the first time a private company is flying astronauts to orbit for the space agency. In normal times, the beaches and roads along the Florida Space Coast is home to thousands of spectators who wait to witness the first space launch in 9 years. In the times of the Coronavirus pandemic, many officials are thinking about whether it is a good idea or not.
Government officials, NASA and SpaceX request spectators to watch the event from home on 27 May 2020. However, many officials in Brevard County, near Kennedy Space Center are making an effort to jumpstart the tourism industry. According to them if people want to come, they can come, “but, if they don’t for pandemic related health reasons, I respect that”, says Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
NASA and SpaceX: Dragon Crew capsule flight test
The Americans are going to watch a great piece of history in front of their eyes this Wednesday. Visitors can still practice social distancing to come and watch the launch event. Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are about to launch in a test flight for the new SpaceX Dragon crew capsule. The liftoff is scheduled for May 27 at 4:30 P.M. EDT.
There is no need to panic in these situations, as proper security will be in place. Almost 85 reserve deputies are going to monitor crowd control and will order people to maintain strict social distancing. Many local beach shops will be distributing 20,000 masks to spectators with support from the Sheriff’s office.
Up Next ➡️ NASA astronauts @AstroBehnken and @Astro_Doug are scheduled arrive at @NASAKennedy on Wednesday, May 20.
Liftoff from Kennedy's historic Launch Pad 39A is targeted for May 27 at 4:33 p.m. EDT. 🚀🇺🇸 #LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/7djtt7pPyE
— NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) May 18, 2020
The surrounding environment has suddenly become different from the onset of the Coronavirus. The pandemic is causing disruptions with many activities even in the space industry. But, with all that going on, NASA is determined to have a successful launch this Wednesday. Let us know what you think of it in the comments section below and we are proud to announce Sciencenews18 is now available on telegram, Do join it quickly!
Suryapratim Ray is an engineer, author, robotics hobbyist, and an active Quoran. Being a technical blogger, he covers the good, bad, and ugly of science on a regular basis at Sciencenews18. In addition to his passion for writing, he’s equally keen on learning classical music.