SpaceX Launch and Docking

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Did anyone stay up and watch the launch of the Test Crew Capsule and then the docking with the ISS? It was incredible to watch. It's well worth catching, as it is narrated by SpaceX engineers.

Here is the article from NASA:
SpaceX Crew Dragon Hatch Opened after Successfully Docking to Station – Commercial Crew Program

Here is a video of the docking:

Soon, no more paying millions to Russia to send up our own astronauts.

 

[Reformed1689]

Nope didn't watch.

 

[MartyF]

No. But it sounds awesome. We are finally no longer reliant upon the Soviets to dock with the space station.

 

[Reynolds]

No. But it sounds awesome. We are finally no longer reliant upon the Soviets to dock with the space station.

It's a disgrace that we ever were dependent on them. Russia is using 1960 technology and NASA can't even fly.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

It's a disgrace that we ever were dependent on them. Russia is using 1960 technology and NASA can't even fly.

Agree. Glad that will soon change. Hopefully, we will be sending up our own astronauts this year.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

The test crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to leave the ISS on Friday morning at 2:30 am EST and make splash down in the Atlantic Ocean at 8:45 am EST. You can watch it live at SpaceX.com, with full narration. Hopefully, all will go well.

Musk has stated that the re-entry is his greatest concern, as the crew capsule has a different shape due to the eight escape engines which are not on the cargo version. If this goes well, another test run will be scheduled to put those escape engines into action.

 

[Benjamin]

I was sold when I saw this:

As per docking ability I think we need our own private Space Station that's about 40 times bigger.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Love watching the Falcon rockets land. Thankfully, the crew test Dragon splashed down successfully in the Atlantic successfully this morning.

 

[Benjamin]

The rockets are getting bigger and now they are landing 3 boosters.

 

[Reynolds]

The rockets are getting bigger and now they are landing 3 boosters.

That's what happens when private business gets involved. If NASA was doing it, they would still be scale modeling.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

The success of yesterday's mission cannot be overstated. They were the largest, most powerful rockets in use, and these rockets are built in the US. The landing of all three booster rockets was amazing - and creates tremendous cost savings for SpaceX and their clients. Looking forward to when we send up our own astronauts again -- set for this year.

 

[Reformed]

I live about 40 miles away from the Cape on a straight line. I am able to see many launches from my house. I never tire of it.

 

[Benjamin]

Came across this awesome picture of the engine combustion on the Falcon Heavy Rocket:

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Wow. Simply wow.