NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission is currently targeted to launch to the International Space Station by late February from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, mated atop a Falcon 9 rocket, will carry NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, commander; Michael Barratt, pilot; and Jeanette Epps, mission specialist; along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, mission specialist. This is the first spaceflight for Dominick, Epps, and Grebenkin, and the third spaceflight for Barratt.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 participates in the Crew Equipment Interface Test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. From left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, mission specialist; and NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, pilot; Matthew Dominick, commander; and Jeanette Epps, mission specialist. Credit: SpaceX
Crew-8 will conduct new scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefit humanity on Earth. Experiments include using stem cells to create organoid models to study degenerative diseases, studying the effects of microgravity and UV radiation on plants at a cellular level, and testing whether wearing pressure cuffs on the legs could prevent fluid shifts and reduce health problems in astronauts. These are just a few of the more than 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations taking place during their mission.
The crew of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station poses for a photo during their Crew Equipment Interface Test at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: SpaceX
Dr. Jeanette J. Epps is a mission specialist for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission and was a NASA Fellow during graduate school. Dr. Epps authored several journal and conference articles describing her research in aerospace engineering, where she was involved in the rotor-craft research group. She joined the Central Intelligence Agency for seven years as a technical intelligence officer before becoming an astronaut. Dr. Epps served in the International Space Station Operations Branch supporting crew members and was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2009. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
Dr. Michael Reed Barratt is the pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission. Board certified in internal and aerospace medicine, Dr. Barratt serves in the Mission Support branches providing medical and human factors expertise to multiple spaceflight programs. Having accrued 212 days in space over two missions, Dr. Barratt was a mission specialist on STS-133, the last mission for Space Shuttle Discovery, and served as a flight engineer for Expedition 19 and 20, performing two spacewalks. He was honored with several awards, including the Hubertus Strughold Award for Contributions to Space Medicine Research in 2011. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
Matthew Dominick, U.S. Navy commander and commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. With over 1,600 flight hours across 28 aircraft, 400 carrier-arrested landings, and 61 combat missions, he has been recognized with numerous medals, including the 2015 Naval Test Wing Atlantic Test Pilot of the Year award. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
Alexander Grebenkin is a Russian cosmonaut and mission specialist for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission. He has a background in radio communications engineering. Before joining the cosmonaut corps, he served in the technical and operational units of the Air Force of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Armed Forces. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
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