SpaceX expands astronaut launch capacity with second Florida pad

SpaceX is getting ready to launch more astronauts into space by certifying another launch pad in Florida.

Right now, SpaceX mainly uses one pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for sending humans into space. But they've been fixing up a second pad nearby to handle more launches.

Some important upgrades have been done to this second pad, like adding a special arm for astronauts to get onto the spacecraft and setting up an emergency escape system. These changes will not only make things safer but also prepare for bigger missions in the future, possibly involving spacecraft that can carry many more people.

Their next big step is a cargo mission called CRS-30, which is due to launch soon. Even though it's a cargo mission, not one with astronauts, it's still crucial for testing out their systems before sending people up. SpaceX is aiming to use this mission to get everything ready for future astronaut launches.