Disclaimer: We may earn a commission if you make any purchase by clicking our links. Please see our detailed guide here.

Follow us on:

Google News
Whatsapp

SpaceX’s “Dragon” cargo spacecraft embarks on its final voyage

Join the Opinion Leaders Network

Join the Techgenyz Opinion Leaders Network today and become part of a vibrant community of change-makers. Together, we can create a brighter future by shaping opinions, driving conversations, and transforming ideas into reality.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the “Dragon” cargo spacecraft on Friday (March 6) midnight from Cape Canaveral. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at the International Space Station(ISS) by Monday, March 9.

Space X classifies its Dragon cargo spacecraft as a “Long” cargo spacecraft. The spacecraft have visited the Space Station twice before in February 2017 and December 2018. A third visit is shortly expected. The spacecraft delivery is part of the commercial resupply service contract with NASA.

The current resupply mission is officially termed as CRS-20 as it is the 20th flight to International Space Station. This is the final flight of SpaceX’s contract with NASA. SpaceX had signed the contract worth 1.6 billion dollars with NASA in 2008. NASA also collaborates with the “Swan” cargo ship for its missions. The “Swan” cargo ship is owned by Northrop Grumman.

One of SpaceX’s proudest moments came in 2012 when The first “Long” cargo spacecraft became the first commercial spacecraft to dock with the ISS. SpaceX plans to move on from “Dragon” to second-generation Dragon 2 cargo spacecraft from October onwards. The second-generation is designed to complete more space flights compared to its predecessor.

Also, it can perform independent docking at the ISS. The biggest development is that Dragon 2 will be a manned spacecraft capable of taking a crew and hence will include life support systems, seats and launch escape features in place.

Since 2012, the Dragon cargo ship in-service has transported over 40 tons of cargo to the ISS and returned with over 30 tons of cargo to the earth. In its final voyage, it carried 1950 kilograms of supplies which include scientific equipment for research and experiment.

Some of the experiments include stem cell growth in microgravity, a study on bowel function. These experiments will help in the treatment of heart disease, and also improve our understanding of organ function and immune system.

The Dragon spacecraft will spend a month at the International Space Station before returning to earth with the research results.

Join 10,000+ Fellow Readers

Get Techgenyz’s roundup delivered to your inbox curated with the most important for you that keeps you updated about the future tech, mobile, space, gaming, business and more.

Recomended

Partner With Us

Digital advertising offers a way for your business to reach out and make much-needed connections with your audience in a meaningful way. Advertising on Techgenyz will help you build brand awareness, increase website traffic, generate qualified leads, and grow your business.

Power Your Business

Solutions you need to super charge your business and drive growth

More from this topic