The public is invited to take part in virtual activities and events ahead of the launch of the Crew-4 mission, the fourth SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket carrying astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA. The science mission is part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Liftoff is targeted for 5:26 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 23, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The launch will carry three NASA astronauts – Mission Commander Kjell Lindgren, Pilot Robert Hines, and Mission Specialist Jessica Watkins, to the space station – as well as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who will serve as a mission specialist. This is the first spaceflight for Hines and Watkins. It is the second trip for Lindgren and Cristoforetti.
The Crew-4 astronauts will conduct research in areas such as materials science, health technologies, and plant science to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and benefit life on Earth. Experiments will include studies on the aging of immune systems, organic material concrete alternatives, and cardiorespiratory effects during and after long-duration exposure to microgravity. These are just some of the more than 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations that will take place during their mission.
Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually or RSVP to the Facebook event. The virtual guest program for this launch includes curated launch resources, timely mission updates, and a virtual guest passport stamp following a successful launch.
Countdown commentary will begin at 1:45 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 23, and air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, Daily Motion, Theta.TV and NASA’s App.
Members of the public can also share in the journey through a variety of activities, including:
Virtual Launch Passport
Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual passport. Stamps will be emailed following launches to those who register via email through Eventbrite.
STEM Mission Toolkit
Engage kids and students in virtual and hands-on activities that are both family-friendly and educational through Next Gen STEM Commercial Crew at:
Watch and Engage on Social Media
Stay connected with the mission on social media and let people know you’re following it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #Crew4. Follow and tag these accounts:
- Twitter: @NASA, @Commercial_Crew, @Space_Station
- Facebook: NASA, NASACommercialCrew, ISS Facebook
- Instagram: NASA, ISS Instagram
For NASA’s launch blog and more information about the mission, visit: