NASA-SpaceX's Crew-4 astronauts sent into quarantine before flight to ISS on April 21

Astronauts preparing for ir visit to International Station (ISS) have been sent into quarantine prior to ir scheduled launch on April 21. Composed of four members- Crew-4 mission team includes NASA’s Kjell Lindgren, Bob Hines and Jessica Watkins along with one European ncy (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. All of se astronauts have been isolated under process of flight crew health stabilization. NASA says that it is a routine part of final preparations for all missions to station.

Why were Astronauts sent to quarantine?

According to ncy, official quarantine period began on April 7 and will continue for two weeks before targeted launch date. Quarantining before a mission is important because it ensures that astronauts remain in good health. This measure is also taken to protect astronauts already aboard ISS. 

NASA provides crew members with two options, first being isolating mselves at home if y are able to maintain quarantine conditions re. However, if a member is unable to do so because of ir job or or commitments, y also have an option of quarantining at Astronaut Quarantine Facility at NASA’s Johnson Center before heading for launch at Kennedy Center.

NASA says that it is ensuring additional safeguards since start of coronavirus pandemic. It involves screening anyone and everyone for temperature and symptoms who visit launch site or interact with mission crew during quarantine period. As for Crew-4 team, each of members will be tested twice for virus as a precaution along with those who make direct contact with crew. 

NASA-X Crew-4 mission

Crew-4 will be fourth rotation flight to station which will be launched using a Falcon 9 rocket and ‘Freedom’ Dragon capsule from Kennedy Center in Florida. Lindgren has been chosen as mission commander whereas Watkins and Cristoforetti will serve as mission specialists. Hines, on or hand, will serve as pilot for Crew-4 mission. While targeted date is April 21, NASA officials have also saved April 23 as a backup.

Im: NASA