The Falcon 9 rocket that will launch a Dragon capsule packed with cargo destined for the International Space Station was raised into position at launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. This time-lapse video compresses the 15-minute operation into 45 seconds.
Falcon 9
Musk previews busy year ahead for SpaceX
There’s a lot on SpaceX’s agenda this year if the company can maintain its pace, including refinements of the Falcon 9 rocket to hasten refurbishment between flights and the debut of the long-delayed Falcon Heavy launch vehicle with two side boosters recycled from previous missions, Elon Musk said after last week’s successful liftoff of a previously-flown rocket.
Mission Reports
Live coverage: Dragon cargo craft returns to Earth
After 24 days at the International Space Station, SpaceX’s Dragon supply ship came back to Earth on Sunday with more than 5,400 pounds of cargo, human and animal research specimens, and other gear tagged for the trip home. Release from the station’s robotic arm occurred at 5:11 a.m. EDT (0911 GMT), and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean was a few minutes before 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT).