CRS-3

Mission Summary: The CRS (Crew Resupply) 3 mission for the CST-100 will be launched aboard the Atlas V 401. The 4 meaning its the 4 meter diameter version, 0 is the number of external boosters, and 1 centaur upper stage engine. The launch sequence will be very similar to most other launches, it involves igniting the engine at T-3, letting it ramp to full thrust, and then launching once everything is go and the count reaches T-0. Once in the air it will ascend vertically until the velocity reaches 100 meters per second, then it will begin to pitch over to gain horizontal and vertical velocity. Once the first stage burns out it will be jettisoned and the centaur second stage will finish the ascent and orbital insertion. Once in orbit the computer will perform a rendezvous with the station and dock. The crew will remain aboard the station for approximately 30 days, after that time they will return to the surface aboard the CST-100.