This computer generated image provided by SpaceX shows their Dragon spacecraft with solar panels deployed. The world's first private supply ship flew tantalizingly close to the International Space Station on Thursday, May 24, 2012 but did not stop, completing a critical test in advance of the actual docking scheduled for Friday, May 25, 2012. (AP Photo/SpaceX)
Space station astronauts captured the SpaceX Dragon capsule and then docked it to the orbiting complex Friday, gladly taking part in the historic event.
The unmanned Dragon holds 1,000 pounds of supplies. The astronauts will open it up Saturday.
SpaceX is the first private company to attempt such a feat. Until now, only major governments have sent spacecraft to the space station.
NASA is turning over orbital supply missions to the commercial industry so it can focus on bigger, better objectives, like sending crews to Mars.
The billionaire mastermind behind SpaceX, Elon Musk, described the day's events as "just awesome." His company launched the Dragon from Cape Canaveral on Tuesday.
Post a Comment