SpaceX's Crew-3 launch delayed by at least a week

SpaceX's Crew-3 delayed by at least a week due to a 'minor medical emergency'

Space Explored By Seth Kurkowski November 3, 2021

NASA has delayed SpaceX’s Crew-3 launch, which was briefly scheduled for early morning on November 3 after weather pushed back a Halloween launch target. Image: NASA

The delay is due to a “minor medical issue” that is not an emergency situation nor related to COVID-19. The delay is due to a “minor medical issue” that is not an emergency situation nor related to COVID-19. Image: NASA

In a blog post, the agency opted not to state which Crew-3 member was involved or what exactly happened. Image: NASA

All NASA mentions is that the crew will stay in quarantine and work to launch the mission by the end of the week. Image: Josef Aschbacher

"The agency takes every effort to protect the crew prior to its launch through a health stabilization plan. Crew-3 astronauts will remain in quarantine at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida while preparing for their launch." "The agency takes every effort to protect the crew prior to its launch through a health stabilization plan. Crew-3 astronauts will remain in quarantine at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida while preparing for their launch." IN A STATEMENT FROM NASA: IN A STATEMENT FROM NASA: Image: NASA

"Teams will continue to monitor crew health as they evaluate potential launch opportunities at the end of the week. The earliest possible opportunity for launch is 11:36 p.m. EDT Saturday, Nov. 6." Image: DLR IN A STATEMENT FROM NASA: (cont.)

"The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket are in good shape and will remain at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy." IN A STATEMENT FROM NASA: (cont.) Image: NASA

In the last launch weather report from Space Launch Delta 45, weather conditions appeared to deteriorate going into the 48-hour delay window (Friday, November 5). In the last launch weather report from Space Launch Delta 45, weather conditions appeared to deteriorate going into the 48-hour delay window (Friday, November 5). Image: Daryl Sausse' / Space Explored

While we may have good weather locally, the weather along the ascent corridor (where the critical abort zones are) and in the higher atmosphere is unknown. Image: NASA

If weather does not cooperate with NASA and SpaceX Saturday evening, this could delay Crew-3’s launch into next week and further extending Crew-2’s time at the International Space Station . If weather does not cooperate with NASA and SpaceX Saturday evening, this could delay Crew-3’s launch into next week and further extending Crew-2’s time at the International Space Station . Image: SpaceX

NASA could change the timeline for Crew-2's return and allow them to depart before the launch of Crew-3. Image: Astra Image: NASA

It is currently unknown what benefit this would give NASA but Crew-2's Dragon is designed to be in space for 210 days. Image: NASA

As of November 2, Dragon Endeavour has been at the ISS for 194 days. Leaving enough, but not a whole lot of time for Crew-3 to launch. As of November 2, Dragon Endeavour has been at the ISS for 194 days. Leaving enough, but not a whole lot of time for Crew-3 to launch. Image: NASA

The fate of when Crew-2 will return home and Crew-3 will leave should be found out later this week. Image: NASA