Breaking News: NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps Finally Gets Her Chance to Fly in Space
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Photo Date: September 30, 2009 Location: Bldg. 8, Room 272 Photo Studio Subject: Official Astronaut portrait of Jeanette Epps Photographer: Robert Markowitz
After years of anticipation and setbacks, NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps is finally getting her opportunity to soar among the stars. Epps, who has been patiently waiting since 2009, will join the upcoming Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Epps’ journey to space has been filled with twists and turns. In 2018, she was unexpectedly removed from the crew set to fly on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. While she never publicly speculated on the reason behind NASA’s decision, Epps made it clear that she was disappointed. “It is something that I live with every day,” she expressed.
Despite the setback, NASA recognized Epps’ talent and dedication, making her eligible for future flight assignments. In 2020, she was added to the crew scheduled to fly on Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule. However, due to ongoing delays in the Starliner program, NASA reassigned Epps to train for a SpaceX launch instead.
Epps is the only member of NASA’s 2009 astronaut class who has yet to experience space travel. While some of her colleagues have already flown twice, Epps has patiently awaited her turn. She was even slated to fly on SpaceX’s Crew-5 mission last year, but a barter agreement between NASA and Russia’s space agency led to a Russian cosmonaut taking her place.
Now, the wait is finally over. Epps will join the Crew-8 mission, replacing the current crew in training for the upcoming Crew-7 mission. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than August 25, and Epps will become an integral part of the permanently staffed ISS.
With her extensive training and unwavering determination, Epps is ready to make history. She has passed all of her NASA and Russian training, ensuring that she is fully prepared for the challenges that await her in space. Epps has no medical conditions or family issues that would hinder her mission.
As the countdown to the Crew-8 mission begins, the world eagerly awaits Epps’ journey into the unknown. Her perseverance serves as an inspiration to aspiring astronauts everywhere, proving that dreams can come true with dedication and resilience.
