T-4 hours - (1:55pm EDT June 1)
First reflown Dragon arrives at LC-39A ahead of pad’s 100th launch.
Gearing up for their next space station resupply mission, SpaceX rolled the CRS-11 Dragon spacecraft to LC-39A earlier this morning, June 1.
While the Falcon 9 rocket for this mission is making its first trip to space, the Dragon capsule atop the vehicle will be making its second. CRS-11 marks the first time SpaceX has reused one of the pressure vessels from Dragon, installing a new heat shield and avionics systems while keeping the structural hull of the capsule.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 with the CRS-11 Dragon spacecraft is brought to a vertical position atop LC-39A, June 1, 2017. The Dragon for this mission previously flew on the CRS-4 mission in 2014 and SpaceX has been working since its return to Earth to prepare the capsule for its reflight. Not only will the capsule be reused but the rocket will also, landing at LZ-1 eight minutes after launch. Over 6,000 pounds of cargo will be delivered to the ISS, and Dragon is expected to arrive early Saturday morning, June 4.
CRS-11 also marks the 100th launch from LC-39A since the pad was first activated in 1966 as part of the Apollo moon program. Prior to today’s launch, LC-39A has supported 12 Saturn 5 launches, 82 Space Shuttle missions, and five Falcon 9 launches. Liftoff of CRS-11 is scheduled for 5:55pm EDT June 1. Landing of the Falcon 9′s first stage is slated for around 6:03pm EDT. Watch launch and landing LIVE via SpaceX’s webcast below or at the link here.
P/c: SpaceX/ Michael Seeley.