Private space supply capsule launched for first time

Tuesday marked the first time that a private company, SpaceX, launched a supply capsule into space.

Izvor: Tanjug

Tuesday, 22.05.2012.

15:09

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Tuesday marked the first time that a private company, SpaceX, launched a supply capsule into space. The SpaceX Dragon capsule was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Private space supply capsule launched for first time The capsule departed toward the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the unmanned Falcon 9 rocket. This is the first time that a private company is providing this type of service. These tasks are usually performed by capsules belonging to government agencies such as NASA and ESA. The craft should reach the space station on Thursday, when, at a distance of two and a half kilometers, it is expected to demonstrate the capacity of its guidance, control and communications systems. If the demonstration is successful, the aircraft will be allowed closer to the station on Friday. Astronauts who man the ISS will then use a "robotic arm " to pull in and dock the capsule. The mission that started today is very significant because it marks a major shift in the way the U.S. wants to carry out operations in space. NASA is attempting to involve commercial industries in its routine operations with manned flights to Low Earth Orbit. Cargo transports will be the first service to be provided by other companies, while by the end of the decade, this should be followed by the ferrying of astronauts to and from the station. The space agency hopes these planned changes will cut costs, allowing it to relocate available funds toward exploration of asteroids, and planet Mars. The International Space Station, a joint project of the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, Brazil and Europe, is orbiting Earth at some 390 kilometers distance. (Tanjug/AP) Tanjug

Private space supply capsule launched for first time

The capsule departed toward the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the unmanned Falcon 9 rocket.

This is the first time that a private company is providing this type of service. These tasks are usually performed by capsules belonging to government agencies such as NASA and ESA.

The craft should reach the space station on Thursday, when, at a distance of two and a half kilometers, it is expected to demonstrate the capacity of its guidance, control and communications systems.

If the demonstration is successful, the aircraft will be allowed closer to the station on Friday. Astronauts who man the ISS will then use a "robotic arm " to pull in and dock the capsule.

The mission that started today is very significant because it marks a major shift in the way the U.S. wants to carry out operations in space.

NASA is attempting to involve commercial industries in its routine operations with manned flights to Low Earth Orbit.

Cargo transports will be the first service to be provided by other companies, while by the end of the decade, this should be followed by the ferrying of astronauts to and from the station.

The space agency hopes these planned changes will cut costs, allowing it to relocate available funds toward exploration of asteroids, and planet Mars.

The International Space Station, a joint project of the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, Brazil and Europe, is orbiting Earth at some 390 kilometers distance.

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