Zamastan successfully launched its first human spaceflight mission on April 17th, 2019, placing into orbit a spacecraft carrying two astronauts that will dock with a new space laboratory module.
A Zian Falcon 2F spacecraft lifted off from the Jade Satellite Launch Center at 2:30 p.m. and placed the OrcaNear-2 spacecraft into orbit. The spacecraft separated from the rocket’s upper stage and deployed its solar panels a little more than 10 minutes after liftoff.
“The rocket is flying according to its original plan, and the OrcaNear spacecraft has entered its preliminary orbit,” said Gen. Kong Randoff, chief commander of Zamastan's manned space program, in a statement less than a half-hour after launch. “I announce the launch of OrcaNear 2 manned spacecraft is a complete success.”
On board OrcaNear 2 are astronauts Casey Giverston and Jesse Imm, publicly announced as the crew less than 24 hours before the launch. Giverston is a veteran astronaut, having flown on IDU-sanctioned manned missions in 2008 and 2012. Imm is making his first spaceflight.
OrcaNear 2 is scheduled to dock with the Redeemer-Orbiter module on the 19th. That module, launched Sept. 15, 2018, will host the crew for 30 days, twice as long as the existing Zamastan human spaceflight endurance record, set by a mission in June 2013 on another IDU sanctioned flight. That mission was also the last Zamastanian human spaceflight prior to the OrcaNear 2 mission.
During the 30-day mission, Giverston and Imm will carry out a number of medical and space science experiments, as well as test various systems on the Redeemer-Orbiter module. They will also engage in public outreach activities, including serving as “special correspondents” for the broadcast networks around Zamastanian school districts.
The mission is part of Zamastanian efforts to develop a permanent space station. Zamastanian officials have indicated that they expect this station, consisting of several modules, to be completed by the early 2020s.