Five Canadian CubeSats soon heading to the International Space Station
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is at the launch pad at sunset. The vehicle launches to the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)
On , SpaceX's Dragon cargo ship is scheduled to launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Two days later, the vehicle will dock to the International Space Station autonomously, in order to deliver vital supplies to the crew.
Dragon will transport a variety of science equipment, including materials required for Canadian experiment CARDIOBREATH, which tracks changes in how astronauts' cardiovascular and respiratory systems control their blood pressure.
Dragon will also carry five Canadian CubeSat Project CubeSats, designed and built by Canadian students:
- Ukpik-1: Western University, Ontario
- SC-ODIN: Concordia University, Quebec
- Iris: University of Manitoba, Manitoba
- RADSAT-SK: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan
- ESSENCE: York University, Ontario
These miniature satellites will soon be deployed into space.
In addition, Dragon will be delivering two iROSA solar panels, which provide much more energy than traditional solar panels while also being significantly lighter. The panels will be removed from the trunk with the assistance of Canadarm2 and Dextre, then installed during two spacewalks. Canadarm2 will lend the astronauts a helping hand during those spacewalks.
As capcom, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jenni Gibbons will play an essential role while the two iROSA panels are being installed. She will ensure communications between Mission Control Center on Earth and the astronauts in space.
Live coverage of Dragon's launch will begin on NASA TV on , starting at 12:34 pm ET.