Last Friday, history was made when Dragon, a commercial spacecraft launched by the American company Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) became the first privately owned and cargo-bearing vehicle to successfully dock at the International Space Station (ISS). Previously, this feat has only been accomplished by government space agencies, and even then, only by a select four. These agencies include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Russian Federal Space Agency (RKA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The initiation of Dragon’s mission came in 2005, when NASA launched the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services development program (COTS), seeking a replacement for its own Space Shuttle, now retired. SpaceX made their original mission proposal in March 2006, with NASA confirming their selection that August. Alongside SpaceX, another company, Kistler Aerospace, was also chosen, though their contract has since been terminated and re-awarded to Orbital Sciences. Since then, SpaceX has worked toward the development, production, and finally the flight of Dragon and the ship that it launched from, Falcon 9.
The final mission commenced on Tuesday (May 22) when Dragon was launched into orbit from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. On Wednesday, the spacecraft travelled toward the ISS while continuing in orbit. Dragon’s sensors and flight systems underwent intensive scrutiny on Thursday through a series of tests which brought the spacecraft within 1.5 miles of the ISS. And at 9:56 a.m. E.D.T. Dragon was caught by the station’s robotic arm, successfully attaching to the ISS at 12:02 p.m. on Friday.
Flight engineer Donald Pettit operated the arm for the capture of Dragon, which was ultimately accomplished approximately two hours after the projected time. The delay was caused by a series of relatively minor adjustments required at the last minute. This postponement left Pettit with a choice; he could attempt the capture in darkness or await a subsequent daylight pass. The successful capture of a confident Pettit was met with applause amongst the flight controllers back at NASA’s mission control.
Following the capture of Dragon, astronauts onboard the ISS have opened its hatch and unloaded the supplies, while refilling Dragon with return cargo. Dragon is currently scheduled to detach from the ISS and return to Earth tomorrow, with a planned landing destination of the Pacific Ocean.
The launch of Dragon may only be the beginning in terms of privately funded space exploration, especially given the success of the mission so far. With several many enterprises currently planning commercial space ventures, private funding may provide the support necessary for the next great advancements in space research and technology. Privately funded space missions will reduce the budget strain faced by government agencies, and may ultimately lead the world into the next age of space exploration.
Leave a Reply