Dragon Launches for ISS!

[LeoCeballos]

So this morning, SpaceX's unmanned Dragon capsule successfully launched and achieved orbit, and is even now on its way to the ISS. This is a huge moment for private spaceflight. I hope the mission goes well!

[sscadmin]

I think our space agency should have went private a long time ago, I think we would have had more progress since the 1960's if we had.But I hope the SpaceX program does well so it takes over for Nasa least for the short term.

[Cody]

DarkOne wrote:
I think our space agency should have went private a long time ago, I think we would have had more progress since the 1960's if we had.
Aye to that! I was willing that bird to fly well! Let's hope the docking with the ISS goes just as well!

[sscadmin]

Here is the Dragon's schedule for the next few days:
Quote:
Mission Highlights: During the mission, Dragon must perform a series of complex tasks, each presenting significant technical challenges (dates subject to change):May 22/Launch Day: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launches a Dragon spacecraft into orbit from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.May 23: Dragon orbits Earth as it travels toward the International Space Station.May 24: Dragon’s sensors and flight systems are subjected to a series of complicated tests to determine if the vehicle is ready to berth with the space station; these tests include maneuvers and systems checks in which the vehicle comes within 1.5 miles of the station.May 25: NASA decides if Dragon is allowed to attempt berthing with the station. If so, Dragon approaches. It is captured by station’s robotic arm and attached to the station, a feat that requires extreme precision.May 25 - 31: Astronauts open Dragon’s hatch, unload supplies and fill Dragon with return cargo.May 31: After approximately two weeks, Dragon is detached from the station and returns to Earth, landing in the Pacific, hundreds of miles west of Southern California.

[Cody]

The Dragon flies, the Dragon docks! SpaceX are go! Anything can happen in the next fifty years!

[sscadmin]

Even though the press isn't really giving this much coverage it is actually a big deal and we should have been doing this 10+ yrs ago. This is an exciting time for the civilian space program and I hope it only gets brighter.... and there is of course no accidents.

[Cody]

DarkOne wrote:
... and there is of course no accidents.
We should not let accidents or losses deter us again - a nation like China won't. They're getting out there, whatever the cost - we must too! There must be hundreds of qualified astronauts around with nowhere really to go. I bet most of them would jump at the chance of a one-way mission to Mars, or something similar (as would I), and they above all people are aware of the risks!