SpaceX Dragon’s ISS Approach Was Epic

You’ve probably seen the incredible landing of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 first stage by now. If not, check it out below.

SpaceX’s landing attempts are always the most exciting part of their launches. But what about the most important part – the supply ship? Astronaut Tim Peake successfully captured Dragon earlier today with the space station’s robotic arm.

Capture confirmed 7:23a ET/11:23a UTC. @SpaceX #Dragon in grips of @CSA_ASC #Canadarm2. https://t.co/35O2hEgwoB

— Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) April 10, 2016

7,000 pounds of food, water, science experiments and other gear are now attached to the International Space Station. Among the 7,000 pounds of gear is an inflatable room called the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM.

SpaceX Dragon’s approach

I never tire of the amazing views from the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra snapped several incredible images as the SpaceX Dragon capsule closed in on the ISS.

Final Approach for @SpaceXDragon before an awesome capture by crewmate @Astro_TimPeake! @Space_Station @csa_asc pic.twitter.com/21kgmsiltX

— Tim Kopra (@astro_tim) April 10, 2016

Position lights of @SpaceX-8 reflecting off its solar panels during the night pass. @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/J4VA61PGG2

— Tim Kopra (@astro_tim) April 10, 2016

SpaceX-8 over #Africa coming in for the approach. @SpaceX @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/NMx6bvHlTN

— Tim Kopra (@astro_tim) April 10, 2016

Astronaut Tim Peake, who captured the capsule with the ISS’ robotic arm, had time for a quick image before getting to work.

I’ve been waiting to get a pic of The Palms, Dubai & then this happened just prior to capture 🙂 #LuckyDay pic.twitter.com/AE5btzQSpE

See also

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— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) April 10, 2016

Here’s my favorite clip from the NASA TV coverage. Watch as the Dragon capsule flies from orbital night to day on its way to the ISS.

.@SpaceX #Dragon flies from orbital night to day as it approaches station. https://t.co/C7LVQGQ6Xn https://t.co/oVW5HNqop6

— Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) April 10, 2016

Congrats to SpaceX for a smooth launch and a picture perfect first stage landing. And congrats to NASA and the ISS crew for successfully capturing the Dragon capsule.

The International Space Station is turning into a space parking lot. Six spacecraft are currently docked to the space station. Because of this, there’s going to be a break with spaceflights to the ISS for a couple of months. Cygnus and SpaceX will be sending their next supply missions up on June 24 (scheduled date).

The next manned missions will be on June 5 when Tim Kopra, Tim Peake and Yuri Malenchenko come back to Earth. Their replacements, Anatoli Ivanishin, Takuya Onishi and Kate Rubins, will head to the ISS on June 21.