More on space x

The Write Stuff

Concerns over thermal imaging data resolved, Dragon continues its move toward 9:10 a.m. ISS capture, behind schedule
SpaceX Dragon reaches hold point 250 meters away from station
SpaceX Dragon fires thruster to get into final approach for docking
Concerns over thermal imaging data resolved, Dragon continues its move toward 9:10 a.m. ISS capture, behind schedule
Posted: 25 May 2012 05:01 AM PDT
The SpaceX Dragon capsule is finally in its close-out approach to the International Space Station but a planned 7:59 a.m. capture by the station’s robotic arm has been delayed.

The targeted capture time was rescheduled for 9:10 a.m. eastern time.

Once Dragon got to 150 meters from the station, NASA and SpaceX had concerns about the quality of data they were receiving from the capsule’s thermal imagers. So they directed Dragon closer a little at a time while the imagers’ data was reviewed. It was finally cleared moments ago.

Once it gets to 30 meters it will be in position for the station’s robotic arm to reach out and grab it, then bring it up to the station’s hatch.






SpaceX Dragon reaches hold point 250 meters away from station
Posted: 25 May 2012 02:32 AM PDT
The SpaceX Dragon has arrived.

NASA reports it now is 250 meters away from the International Space Station and holding, a position within the station’s sphere of control. Over the next hour or so astronauts abord the station will move it around a little bit by remote control, before it comes in to 30 feet away.

At that point, around 8 a.m., the station’s robotic arm will grab the private cargo spacecraft and bring it to the station to berth.






SpaceX Dragon fires thruster to get into final approach for docking
Posted: 25 May 2012 01:25 AM PDT
The first private spacecraft to dock with the International Space Station has fired its thrusters to get into position for final approach to catch the station.

The SpaceX Dragon is expected to catch the station shortly after 5 p.m. If all goes well, astronauts aboard the station will begin capturing the Dragon at 7:59 a.m., to berth it with the station. That will initiate the first private delivery of goods to the station.






You are subscribed to email updates from The Write Stuff - Orlando Sentinel
To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610