A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying two NASA astronauts docked Sunday with the International Space Station, the first time a crewed US spacecraft has performed the feat in nearly a decade.
“Soft capture,” the moment when the spacecraft makes first contact and starts latching with the target vehicle, occurred at 10:16 am Eastern Time (1416 GMT).
It was followed a few minutes later by “hard capture” when an airtight seal was completed.
Welcome home @AstroBehnken and @Astro_Doug! America’s two favorite dads in space have docked to the @Space_Station. https://t.co/e2KaxtW4Gf
— Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) May 31, 2020
On board are astronauts Bob Behnkhen and Doug Hurley, both veterans of the Space Shuttle program that was shuttered in 2011.
“We copy docking is complete,” said a member of the crew.
“It’s been a real honor to be a small part of this nine year endeavor since the last time a United States spaceship has docked with the International Space Station.”
Dragon has docked! Crewed Dragon, with @AstroBehnken and @Astro_Doug on board, are connected to @Space_Station, with @NASA’s communications satellites, known as #TDRS, still providing communications to both. 📡 🛰️
— NASA TDRS (@NASA_TDRS) May 31, 2020
Next up? Hatch opening.
Watch Live: https://t.co/3Vegt9l2au
Next, the vestibule between the Dragon and the International Space Station will be pressurized and the hatch will then be opened, in about an hour.
Read more:
SpaceX rocket lifts off on historic private crewed flight into orbit
SpaceX launches 60 more satellites with dark coating to appease stargazers
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Also Read
-
'Back in the game': Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket ship blasts off with 2 astronauts
A rocket ship built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company thundered away from Earth with two Americans on Saturday, ushering in a new era in commercial space ... Technology -
Historic SpaceX launch postponed because of stormy weather
The launch of a SpaceX rocket ship with two NASA astronauts on a history-making flight into orbit has been called off with 16 minutes to go in the ... Variety -
NASA approves for the first crewed SpaceX flight to go ahead on May 27
NASA said Friday that it has given the green light to next week’s launch of two astronauts aboard a SpaceX vessel – the first crewed space flight to ... Variety
