Published 05:46 IST, May 28th 2020
NASA chief Jim Bridenstine explains why aborting Crew Dragon mission was 'best decision'
NASA chief Jim Bridenstine acknowledged that there is “a lot of disappointment” after NASA-SpaceX Crew Dragon launch was aborted on May 27.
Advertisement
NASA chief Jim Bridenstine acknowledged that there is “a lot of disappointment” after NASA-SpaceX Crew Dragon launch was aborted on May 27 due to unfavourable weather conditions. However, shifting the light to the positive aspect of ‘#LaunchAmerica’ being delayed, Bridenstine assured that it was a “great day” both for NASA and SpaceX and hailed the joint effort for making “good decisions”.
After the offloading of the spacecraft was completed and US astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken were assisted out of the capsule, NASA chief explained in his statement that there was simply “too much electricity” in the atmosphere. And while there were no lightning storm or similar phenomenon, Bridenstine said that there were concerns that the momentous launch on May 27 at 4:33pm ET could “trigger lightning”. Therefore, Jim Bridenstine added that the mission being rescheduled to May 30 at 3:22pm ET was "best decision".
"It was a great day for NASA, it was a great day for @SpaceX. I think our teams worked together in a really impressive way, making good decisions all along." Administrator @JimBridenstine explains why the scrub today was the best decision to keep the #LaunchAmerica crew safe: pic.twitter.com/MVV85ZFx42
— NASA (@NASA) May 27, 2020
Bridenstine, who had previously hailed the NASA-SpaceX Crew Dragon mission as “Herculean task”, announced the postponement of the launch citing the safety of crew members. According to him, it was the “top priority” to ensure that Hurley and Behnken who had already buckled up for the mission in the capsule, were safe.
Trump thanks NASA, SpaceX For 'Hard Work’
After the unfavourable weather conditions forced the crew to call-off the historic mission, US President Donald Trump, who was there to witness the liftoff, thanked both NASA and SpaceX for their hard work as well as leadership. Even though the mission was cancelled just 16 minutes before the scheduled take-off time, Trump said that he is “looking forward” to join the launch which has now been moved to May 30.
Thank you to @NASA and @SpaceX for their hard work and leadership. Look forward to being back with you on Saturday!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020
US First Lady Melania Trump also acknowledged the rescheduling of the momentous mission that had millions glued to the live stream of the launch across social media platforms. She noted that the safety of the crew members “must come first” and even supported the decision of postponing the launch to another time when it can happen safely without any threats posed by the weather.
Image Source: AP
05:46 IST, May 28th 2020