Dragon Arrives Friday, Unpacking Begins Saturday

The SpaceX Dragon arrives
Astronaut Terry Virts tweeted this picture of the SpaceX Dragon supply ship approaching the International Space Station. Credit: @AstroTerry

The Expedition 43 crew’s delivery arrived Friday aboard the SpaceX Dragon space freighter. Dragon was captured at 6:55 a.m. EDT after a two-day trip and a slow methodical approach. Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti guided the Canadarm2 and grappled the Dragon as it floated just 10 meters away from the International Space Station.

The crew will open the hatches to Dragon, which is berthed to the Harmony module, Saturday morning and begin 5 weeks of cargo transfer activities. Aside from crew supplies, Dragon brought new science gear including items for the Rodent Research-2 experiment and the station’s first espresso machine, the ISSpresso, which will provide espresso, tea, consommé and other hot beverages.

A Russian resupply ship is targeted to launch and dock to the space station in less than two weeks. The ISS Progress 59 will blast off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome April 28 at 3:09 p.m. and dock to the Poisk module less than six hours later.

6 thoughts on “Dragon Arrives Friday, Unpacking Begins Saturday”

  1. It is amazing to think that the Dragon was quided in close and then grappled by the Canadarm2 and then secured to the Harmony module. Great job Astronaut Samantha! Sounds like the crew has a lot of interesting work ahead, running all those experiments.
    Thanks for all the incredible photos of earth, especially the dawn shots. I love the line of blue in them.

  2. I’ve been tuned into viewing the ISS now for about 2 months. Last night was totally awesome seeing it being “chased” by a Dragon. Thanks everyone.

  3. I live in Madras, Oregon – Zip Code 97741 – and was excited to learn from your notification that the Space station would be viewable from my home on Thursday night. Excitedly, I watched the night sky and finally, there it was! But, to my astonishment, I also notices a smaller object trailing directly behind the Station. That smaller unit stayed right behind as it passed overhead. I wondered if I was “seeing things” or if perhaps there might actually have been another “ship” moving in to connect with the Station. And today, here is my answer – I think! Is it possible that I actually saw the Space X Dragon following the Station?

    1. I saw it too from Benton City, Wa 99320 that night. Wasn’t looking for it. Just noticed a bright light coming from nearly due west. No navigation lights. Then I noticed a much smaller/dimmer light directly behind in its flight path. Both dimmed out a little past due south. I guess I shouldn’t grumble when the dog wants to go out.

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