SpaceX launched the first un-manned resupply mission to the International Space Station this morning. A Falcon 9 first-stage rocket booster launched the flight and safely returned to Earth. Watch the exciting liftoff and return below.
Space X stated on its Youtube channel:
This is the first flight of the updated cargo version of Dragon, which is capable of carrying about 20 percent more volume than the previous version of Dragon and has double the amount of powered locker cargo capability. Dragon is now designed for up to five flights to and from the space station, and this cargo version of the spacecraft can stay on station for a duration more than twice as long as the previous version of Dragon.
The Falcon 9 first stage rocket booster supporting this launch previously supported launch of Dragon’s first flight with NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (Demo-2), the ANASIS-II mission, and a Starlink mission. Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9’s first stage on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship, which will be located in the Atlantic Ocean.
9 comments:
Very cool. They have this down to a consistent routine, and now we can wean ourselves from using the Ruskies.
I can watch this stuff all day.
AMAZING !
Thanks KF.
Hopefully Elon will make secure voting machines in time for the next Congressional elections in two years.
This has been fun and exciting. But it will probably come to a screaching halt soon with the new Biden administration. Musk has been planning on shooting his stuff into space from his Texas base where the current administration has approved on a temporary environmental approval to operate, along with support for private industry to enter (and control) space exploration and expansion.
Not being political but the Democratic control of government will most likely put a screeching halt to this concept - wanting the government to control all aspects, including the private sector supplying the space station and particularly the new and any expanded entry into further exploration, including back to the moon and to Mars.
Its been fun to watch, and exciting to see what can be done. Yes, if the Feds continue a space program it will be by using private contractors, but not in the way it has been happening the past few years. But - elections have consequences. And this will be one of them - so don't dump all your free cash into Tesla stock today. This ride will probably not be stopping any time soon, but there will be plenty of speed bumps installed on the entry way to space soon to come.
" But it will probably come to a screaching halt soon with the new Biden administration ".
Not in the least.
Musk will continue with or without whatever idiot occupies the Oval office.
Hell, the United States is not the only country that launches vehicles into space.
Brazil, Japan, France and many other capitalistic nations would "squeal like a pig" in order for Musk to relocate to their nation.
" Hopefully Elon will make secure voting machines in time for the next Congressional elections in two years " .
Very true, but lets work on Georgia first.
It shouldn't be too hard for Elon.
If he can perfect a damn first stage rocket booster to land upright on an unmanned barge in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, designing a simple voting machine in Fulton County,Georgia should not be much of a problem.
I actually agree with both 7:03 and 8:21. Guessing Mexico will be the next country in the space race due to proximity of the home company. Land the 1st stages in the Gulf. Usually calm water. Could use an abandoned rig out there.
Chuck Yeager died yesterday, aged 97 years. What a great American he was. RIP, Chuck.
"Could use an abandoned rig out there."
That is a great idea, but unfortunately I doubt it would work .
There are way too many variables involved when a spacecraft returns to Earth.
"Chuck Yeager died yesterday, aged 97 years. What a great American he was. RIP, Chuck."
He was indeed a great American !
There's not many of "The Greatest Generation" left.
General Yeager almost lived to see his 100th birthday.
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