Astronauts Speak Before Mission To Iss
Astronauts heading for the International Space Station on board the first operational flight of a privately-developed space capsule have shared their thoughts ahead of the launch later this week.
Commander Michael Hopkins and two other US astronauts from NASA as well as Japanese astronaut Noguchi Soichi will be on board the Crew Dragon spacecraft, developed by SpaceX.
Liftoff is scheduled for Saturday local time from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The astronauts held an online news conference on Monday.
Commander Hopkins said he was excited to see the rocket, space suit and final preparations.
Mission Specialist Noguchi said the crew members are anxious to hear the distinct sounds which occur during fueling in the final stage -- something he learned about from two astronauts who went on a test flight.
The four astronauts will stay at the International Space Station for about six months. They will carry out scientific experiments and broadcast programs to Earth during their stay.
