SpaceX shipment reaches space station after weekend launch
A SpaceX shipment arrived at the International Space Station on Monday following a weekend launch.
The Dragon capsule delivered 5,500 pounds (2,500 kilograms) of equipment and experiments.
Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques used the station's big robot arm—also made in Canada—to capture the Dragon approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) above the North Atlantic Ocean. An external cable that normally comes off during launch dangled from the capsule, but it did not interfere with the grappling.
"Welcome on board, Dragon," Saint-Jacques radioed. Speaking in both English and French, he congratulated ground teams for their help and said he's proud every time the station's 58-foot (18-meter) Canadian robot arm is used in orbit.
"Well done, well captured. Way to make it look easy," Mission Control said.
SpaceX launched the capsule Saturday from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
It's the second station visit for this recycled Dragon. It also flew in 2017.
This is SpaceX's 17th delivery to the space station; the first was in 2012. Northrop Grumman is NASA's other shipper; its Cygnus cargo ship arrived just two weeks ago.
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In this image taken from NASA Television, a SpaceX shipment prepares to arrive at the International Space Station following a weekend launch, Monday, May 6, 2019. The Dragon capsule reached the orbiting complex Monday, delivering 5,500 pounds (2,500 kilograms) of equipment and experiments. (NASA TV via AP) -
In this image taken from NASA Television, a SpaceX shipment arrives at the International Space Station following a weekend launch, Monday, May 6, 2019. The Dragon capsule reached the orbiting complex Monday, delivering 5,500 pounds (2,500 kilograms) of equipment and experiments. (NASA TV via AP) -
This March 25, 2009 photo provided by NASA shows the International Space Station seen from the Space Shuttle Discovery during separation. In the background is Earth's atmosphere seen as a blue arc. On Tuesday, April 30, 2019, NASA announced that a major power shortage at the station has delayed a SpaceX supply run later in the week. (NASA via AP) -
In this image taken from NASA Television, a SpaceX Falcon rocket carrying a load of supplies lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Saturday. May, 4. 2019. SpaceX launched Saturday to the International Space Station, running at full power following repairs. (NASA TV via AP)
The Dragon will remain about a month, being filled with science samples for return to Earth. It's the only cargo ship capable of coming back intact.
Besides one Canadian, the space station is home to three Americans and two Russians.
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