SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft launched aboard Falcon 9 rocket; to reach ISS on Wednesday!

Image courtesy: NASA

New Delhi: As per NASA schedule, the SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services-9 (CRS-9) mission took off successfully, carrying crucial instruments to perform the first-ever DNA sequencing in space, and the first international docking adapter for commercial spacecraft, all the way to the International Space Station.

With almost 5,000 pounds of cargo, SpaceX’s Dragon cargo craft launched at 12:45 am EDT on a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The spacecraft will reach the ISS at 7:00 am on Wednesday and will be grappled by NASA astronaut Jeff Williams, supported by NASA astronaut Kate Rubins.

According to NASA, Kirk Shireman, NASA’s International Space Station Program manager, said, “Each commercial resupply flight to the space station is a significant event. Everything, from the science to the spare hardware and crew supplies, is vital for sustaining our mission. With equipment to enable novel experiments never attempted before in space, and an international docking adapter vital to the future of U.S. commercial crew spacecraft, we’re thrilled this Dragon has successfully taken flight.”

The mission is the company's ninth cargo flight to the station under NASA’s CRS contract. Dragon's cargo will support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations during the station’s Expeditions 48 and 49.