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Despite a crack in the capsule, Crew-8 successfully arrives at the ISS
Space travel has become a routine activity with crews regularly traveling to and from the International Space Station. This week, another crew arrived at the ISS on board a SpaceX Dragon capsule called Endeavour. The crew consisted of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin. With the addition of this crew, the total number of people on the ISS reached eleven, as there were already seven crew members present. However, the launch was almost canceled due to a crack in the hatch seal.
The construction of the International Space Station began in 1998 with the launch of the Zarya module and was completed in 2011 with the addition of the final Russian research module Rassvet. Despite not being fully completed until then, the station has been continuously occupied since the arrival of the first crew, Expedition 1, on November 2, 2000.
The ISS, now measuring 109m x 73m, comprises 16 pressurized modules where the crew lives, sleeps, and conducts experiments while orbiting the Earth. Traveling to and from the ISS is a challenging mission, and currently, the only means of transportation are the SpaceX Dragon capsule and the Soyuz module used by Russian cosmonauts.
Crew 8, the latest team to arrive, launched from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre on Monday, March 4th, joining the existing Expedition 70 crew. However, just 30 minutes before launch, the mission faced a potential setback. The engineering team discovered a crack in the hatch seal, raising concerns about the safety of the journey.
The crack was identified in a silicone-like sealant that covered the hatch pressure seal, which is secondary to the main seal. Despite the issue, launch authorities decided to proceed with the mission, relying on the sealant’s expansion under heating to properly seal the hatch during launch.
Thankfully, the launch was successful, and Crew 8 safely arrived at the ISS, ready to begin their work in the world’s most expensive and intriguing laboratory. The completion of this mission highlights the resilience and adaptability of space exploration teams in overcoming unexpected challenges.
Source : Four Crew-8 Members Enter Station for Six-Month Mission
News
Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem found herself in hot water recently after admitting to shooting her “untrainable” hunting dog. The controversial incident sparked public outrage, but it did not stop her from attending a gathering of California Republicans, where she received a warm reception on Saturday.
Noem, known for her stance on gun rights and conservative leadership, addressed more than 200 people at the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame. She emphasized the importance of patriotism and preserving American values amidst challenging times.
Although she did not directly reference the dog-shooting incident in her speech, she alluded to the controversy surrounding her decision to euthanize her dog named Cricket due to its poor hunting skills and an unfortunate incident involving farm chickens.
Attendees at the luncheon received a copy of Noem’s book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong With Politics and How We Move America Forward,” which she promoted during her remarks. Despite the backlash, she remained firm in her convictions.
Noem’s focus shifted to her leadership in South Dakota, particularly her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her decision to deploy the state’s National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. She raised concerns about drug cartels exploiting Native American tribal lands in her state and criticized the federal government for its inaction.
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Noem commended former President Trump for his authenticity and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. She highlighted Trump’s unconventional approach to politics as a sign of his genuine character.
State Republican Party delegate Anna Bryson expressed admiration for Noem’s financial policies and tax reduction efforts. She acknowledged the dog-shooting incident but credited Noem for her commitment to sound fiscal management.
The convention, attended by over 800 delegates and guests, marked a significant gathering for California Republicans. Despite past protests during Trump’s appearance in Burlingame in 2016, the event with Noem proceeded smoothly with no major disruptions.
Noem’s resilience amidst adversity and her unwavering commitment to her principles garnered both admiration and scrutiny at the California Republican Party convention.
Times staff writer Anabel Sosa contributed to this report.
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