NASA And SpaceX Duet In The Space Shuttle Commercial Launch

Kapsul Crew Dragon (Twitter @spaceX)

JAKARTA - History will repeat itself together with the launch of a space rocket belonging to SpaceX. Two NASA astronauts will take off to test the first commercial voyage of a rocket developed by SpaceX.

The two astronauts are Doug Hurley and his partner Bob Behnken. If there is no obstacle, the two of them will take off from Pad 39A Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States.

Reporting from the BBC, the two senior NASA astronauts will conduct a test flight to the International Space Station (ISS) using the SpaceX Crew Dragon rocket capsule. This will be America's first manned space program, since 2011, to later bring civilians to space.

"We are starting a new era in space and providing opportunities for more people than ever before. We imagine the future of space travel will be fully commercialized with NASA being one of the organizers," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

This launch is actually still a test to test the Crew Dragon capsule in carrying astronaut crews to the ISS or it can be called a Demo-2 mission. This launch is also called historic, because for the first time NASA has used a privately made rocket.

Jim Bridenstin also said that America is changing the way space flight is commercialized by commercializing space flight. So far, privately made unmanned cargo ships only supply the needs of the ISS. But soon they will send tourists to the ISS for tours.

Beyond excited to be at @SpaceX today for a Commercial Crew update! Here's what it looks like to climb into a Crew dragon. @NASASpaceflight #SpaceX pic.twitter.com/1Ncmn98SKy

- Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer) August 13, 2018

Anticipate COVID-19

Various preparations have also been made by NASA to anticipate the spread of the corona virus. Even if this virus is carried to outer space.

The evaluation from NASA will carry out a close monitoring of the readiness of the crew on duty. Even when they arrive at the ISS, Bob and Doug will stay for a while to make sure they don't take bacteria or disease viruses into space.

Likewise before departure. Where astronauts are currently undergoing a strict quarantine period to ensure health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The moment of the space rocket launch will also be broadcast live streaming, so that visitors do not come to the Kennedy Space Center area or the surrounding beaches.