Dragon capsule returns safely
Posted: Wed, Dec 8, 2010, 9:38 PM ET (0238 GMT)
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, launched for the first time Wednesday morning, parachuted to a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean Wednesday afternoon, capping what company officials said was a flawless demonstration mission. The Dragon spacecraft made two orbits of the Earth before reentering, splashing down almost exactly on target shortly after 2 pm EST (1900 GMT). Company officials said the spacecraft performed as planned in orbit, and all aspects of the flight, from launch to reentry and landing, went as planned. Dragon is the first commercially-developed spacecraft to successfully return to Earth. SpaceX is developing Dragon to transport cargo, and potentially crews, to the International Space Station. SpaceX said a second Dragon test flight, where the spacecraft wold approach and perhaps even dock with, the ISS, is planned for next summer.
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, launched for the first time Wednesday morning, parachuted to a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean Wednesday afternoon, capping what company officials said was a flawless demonstration mission. The Dragon spacecraft made two orbits of the Earth before reentering, splashing down almost exactly on target shortly after 2 pm EST (1900 GMT). Company officials said the spacecraft performed as planned in orbit, and all aspects of the flight, from launch to reentry and landing, went as planned. Dragon is the first commercially-developed spacecraft to successfully return to Earth. SpaceX is developing Dragon to transport cargo, and potentially crews, to the International Space Station. SpaceX said a second Dragon test flight, where the spacecraft wold approach and perhaps even dock with, the ISS, is planned for next summer.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Roscosmos replaces cosmonaut on next Crew Dragon mission to ISS
Posted: Sat, Dec 6 9:45 AM ET (1445 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, December 12
Ramon Sanchez Joins Firefly Aerospace as Chief Operating Officer
Firefly Aerospace — 6:16 am ET (1116 GMT) Firefly Aerospace Adds Volta’s Wireless Power Receiver to Blue Ghost Mission on Far Side of the Moon
Firefly Aerospace — 6:16 am ET (1116 GMT) The Exploration Company is Developing an In-Orbit Serving Vehicle
European Spaceflight — 6:14 am ET (1114 GMT) Draco: atmospheric reentry from the inside
ESA — 6:14 am ET (1114 GMT) Ariane 6 – made in Romania
ESA — 6:14 am ET (1114 GMT) |
