The International Space Station is viewed from a camera aboard the approaching SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft. The SpaceX Dragon Freedom crew spacecraft is pictured (at center) docked to the Harmony module’s space-facing port. Credit: NASA+
At 9:52 a.m. EST, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the forward port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module.
The spacecraft carried over 6,000 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory on SpaceX’s 31st commercial resupply services mission for NASA. The mission launched at 9:29 a.m. Nov. 4 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft approaches the space station for a docking to the Harmony module’s space-facing port on March 23, 2024.
NASA’s coverage is underway for arrival of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station on NASA+ and the agency’s website. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
At approximately 9:55 a.m. EST, Dragon will dock autonomously to the forward port of the space station’s Harmony module.
The spacecraft is carrying over 6,000 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory on SpaceX’s 31st commercial resupply services mission for NASA. The mission launched at 9:29 p.m. Nov. 4 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft docks to the International Space Station’s Harmony module at 7:19 a.m. EDT Saturday, March 23. Credit: NASA TV
While the International Space Station was traveling more than 262 miles over the South Atlantic Ocean, a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft autonomously docked to station’s Harmony module at 7:19 a.m. EDT, with NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara and Michael Barratt monitoring operations from the station.
The Dragon launched on SpaceX’s 30th contracted commercial resupply mission for NASA at 4:55 p.m. EDT, March 21, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. After Dragon spends about one month attached to the space station, the spacecraft will return to Earth with cargo and research.
Among the science experiments Dragon is delivering to the space station are:
Monitoring Sea Ice Thickness and Wave Height
(Nanoracks-Killick-1) is a CubeSat that measures sea ice parameters using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reflectometry or reflected signals. This monitoring system could contribute to a better understanding of important ocean phenomena and improved weather and climate models.
New Sensors for ASTROBEE
The Multi-resolution Scanner (MRS) Payload for the Astrobee (Multi-Resolution Scanning) tests a new set of sensors to support automated 3D sensing, mapping, and situational awareness functions. These systems could support future Gateway and Lunar surface missions by providing automated defect detection, automated and remote maintenance, and autonomous vehicle operations.
Improving Efficiency of Quantum-Dot Solar Cells
The Nano Particle Haloing Suspension payload tests the controlled assembly of nanoparticles in a liquid solution. A process called nanoparticle haloing uses charged nanoparticles to enable precise particle arrangements that improve the efficiency of quantum-dot synthesized solar cells. Conducting these processes in microgravity provides insight into the relationship between shape, charge, concentration, and interaction of particles.
Observing Photosynthesis in Space
Advanced Plant Experiment-09 (APEX-09), also known as C4 Photosynthesis in Space, observes carbon dioxide capture and mechanisms in two types of grasses. Researchers hope to learn more about photosynthesis and plant metabolism changes overall in space. Knowledge gained could support development of bioregenerative life support systems on future missions.
These are just a few of the hundreds of investigations currently being conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Advances in these areas will help keep astronauts healthy during long-duration space travel and demonstrate technologies for future human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis missions and eventually Mars.
The SpaceX Dragon resupply spacecraft, carrying over 5,800 pounds of cargo, approaches the space station above the south Atlantic Ocean on July 16, 2022.
A SpaceX Dragon is on track to arrive at the International Space Station today, Saturday, March 23, with an expected docking of the cargo spacecraft about 7:16 a.m. EDT. Live coverage is underway on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website.
When it arrives to the space station, Dragon will dock to the station’s Harmony module. NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara and Michael Barratt will monitor the arrival of the spacecraft.
Dragon successfully launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 4:55 p.m. EDT, March 21, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying more than 6,000 pounds of research, hardware, and supplies to the International Space Station.
