The celebrated rocket company SpaceX is approaching a major corporate milestone. Once more, this company is setting a sterling example for other aerospace companies. Under a contract for NASA, SpaceX will again demonstrate the power and versatility of reusable rocketry.
On August 13, workers at Kennedy Space Center were stowing cargo onto an automated spacecraft. Slated to take flight on August 14, this Dragon craft will bring needed supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). These supplies will allow the ISS to continue its important research, which has the potential to benefit all of mankind. Interestingly, the Dragon spacecraft is set to be launched on SpaceX’s remarkable Falcon 9 rocket. It will take the Dragon two days to reach its destination. The speed and efficiency of the Dragon is a testament to modern engineering.
The resupply load for the ISS includes 20 mice for scientific research. The crew of the ISS engages in a wide variety of mechanical and biological experimentation. This represents the 12th time that SpaceX has worked on resupplying this space station. The craft is capable of transporting over 6,300 pounds of cargo. The Dragon is expected to deliver a full payload of goods in its upcoming mission. Besides materials for scientific experiments, the resupply craft will transport spare mechanical parts, food for the station’s crew and general supplies. The massive Falcon 9 rocket is comprised of two separate parts, the first-stage booster and the second-stage booster. 14 stories tall, the first-stage booster will detach itself less than three minutes after the Dragon is launched. On its own power, this component will return to Cape Canaveral for future use. Although SpaceX has only reused rockets twice so far, this will likely become standard practice in the near future.
Prior to the rise of SpaceX, the concept of the affordable, reusable rocket was thought to belong solely in the realm of science fiction. SpaceX founder Elon Musk is one of those rare visionaries who is able to bring remarkable concepts like these to life. The Falcon 9 rocket represents one more way that Elon Musk and his team have transformed the modern world. Presuming everything goes according to plan, this will be the 14th time that a SpaceX rocket booster has been recovered in working condition. The returning booster will touch down at Cape Canaveral around the same time that the Dragon capsule enters Earth’s orbit. The Dragon is scheduled to rendezvous with the ISS
