SpaceX Dragon capsule delivers new station docking port

Image
AP Cape Canaveral (US)
Last Updated : Jul 20 2016 | 7:48 PM IST
SpaceX finally made good on its delivery of a space station docking port today morning.
A Dragon capsule arrived at the International Space Station, bearing more than 2 tons of supplies. The shipment includes a docking port needed for future rocket ships. SpaceX is working on a crew-worthy Dragon, while Boeing is developing a capsule for astronauts named Starliner.
SpaceX launched its latest Dragon from Cape Canaveral on Monday. A year earlier, the first of these new docking rings was destroyed in a SpaceX launch accident. NASA and Boeing- which makes the ports- is working on a replacement that should fly in another one and a half years.
The two US space station residents used a robot arm for today's 250-mile-high operation above America's Great Lakes.
"We have captured us a Dragon," reported astronaut Jeffrey Williams.
"We look forward to the work that it brings," he said.
Mission Control replied, "This event is an important step on the journey of the International Space Station mission. Now let's get this vehicle berthed so we can get to work."
The newly arrived science experiments include a DNA decoder, or sequencer, that will get a workout by the first virus-hunter in space, NASA astronaut Kate Rubins.
This is the second high-flying delivery this week. A Russian supply ship pulled in Monday night.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 20 2016 | 7:48 PM IST

Next Story