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Watch SpaceX dock with the ISS and open the hatch live

CNET・92 minutes read

Bob and Doug successfully docked the Dragon spacecraft at the International Space Station, marking a historic moment in human spaceflight and highlighting the success of NASA's partnership with SpaceX. This achievement sets the stage for future commercial missions to the moon, Mars exploration, and inspires the next generation of space explorers amid challenging times globally.

Insights

  • The successful docking of Dragon at the International Space Station marks a significant milestone in human spaceflight, highlighting the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in advancing space exploration.
  • The transition towards commercial partnerships in spaceflight, exemplified by NASA's collaboration with SpaceX, aims to increase access to low-earth orbit, reduce costs, and foster innovation in the field.
  • The recent mission's achievement not only sets the stage for commercial lunar missions and Mars exploration but also serves as a beacon of unity and hope during challenging times, inspiring future generations of space explorers.

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Recent questions

  • What was the recent successful mission to the International Space Station?

    Crew Dragon on demo-2 mission, entering the International Space Station.

  • What is the significance of the Artemis program?

    The Artemis program aims to sustainably return to the moon with diverse astronauts, utilizing resources for long-term habitation and as a stepping stone to Mars.

  • How did the recent mission impact the future of space exploration?

    The recent mission marked a new era in human spaceflight, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships in advancing space exploration.

  • What were the key highlights of the recent successful docking process?

    Crew Dragon arrival configuration complete, all valves closed.

  • How did the recent mission impact the public perception of space exploration?

    The astronauts' arrival at the International Space Station was celebrated as a significant achievement, inspiring the next generation of space explorers.

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Summary

00:00

Successful docking of Dragon at ISS

  • Congratulations to the team in Hawthorne for a successful docking process.
  • Bob and Doug had ample opportunities to test and simulate the process, ensuring a smooth experience.
  • The manual piloting test was successful, with Dragon performing as expected.
  • Dragon was approaching the International Space Station for docking.
  • The ground team was preparing for the final approach and docking process.
  • Dragon was moving at a speed of about three tenths of a meter per second towards the station.
  • Dragon was expected to dock at the Harmony module, becoming the second vehicle to be docked there.
  • Technical constraints and flight rules were in place to ensure a safe approach and docking.
  • Dragon was within 100 meters of the space station, with the docking port in sight.
  • The final approach and docking process were underway, with the crew closely monitoring the progress.

21:09

Dragon Spacecraft Successfully Docks with ISS

  • The soft capture system is confirmed to be deployed correctly and fully retracted, preparing for the hard capture pins to create an airtight seal between the Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station.
  • The docking ring has 12 hard capture pins that need to engage to secure the mate between Dragon and the International docking adaptor on the space station.
  • The docking sequence was completed just under 19 hours after liftoff, with the docking occurring ahead of schedule as the vehicles flew over China and Mongolia.
  • The crew on board the Dragon spacecraft, Bob and Doug, are waiting for the docking to be confirmed to start integrating Dragon into the station, including mating an umbilical for data and power transfer.
  • The motion control system on the station has transitioned to gyros for smoother control before driving the hooks to secure the mate between Dragon and the station.
  • The first set of hooks, out of the twelve, are closed to ensure an airtight seal between Dragon and the station, with the remaining hooks to follow suit.
  • The vestibule between Dragon and the station is being pressurized by Chris Cassidy on the station side to match the ambient pressure inside Dragon and the station.
  • The hard capture is confirmed, allowing umbilicals from the station to interface with Dragon for power and data transfer, establishing a wired LAN connection between the two spacecraft.
  • The crew is preparing to doff their suits, with a check on Bob's suit zippers to rule out potential hardware issues before proceeding with the hatch opening.
  • The crew is going through checks and procedures to prepare for hatch opening, including leak checks and thermal stabilization before Bob and Doug can ingress the International Space Station.

41:10

"SpaceX Dragon Update: Bob and Doug Arrive"

  • SpaceX Dragon update from Bob, noting a white tooth on the leg zipper.
  • Lower leak check pressure being monitored closely.
  • Teams preparing to welcome Bob and Doug aboard the International Space Station.
  • Attitude control moment gyros holding Dragon in place during hard capture sequence.
  • Thrusters being enabled and fuel pressurized for hatch opening.
  • Mission Control Houston and ISS teams overseeing the process.
  • Hatch opened briefly to mix station air and avoid CO2 pockets.
  • Hatch opening process to be monitored with cameras in node two.
  • Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley successfully arrived at the ISS.
  • Vestibule pressurization and hatch opening process underway, with intermittent communication losses expected.

01:18:56

Dragon Mission Preparations and Communication Troubleshooting

  • Monitoring dragon earlier in the day, executing steps one through four, with steps five and six pending.
  • Troubleshooting communication issues between Houston and Dragon, working on improving hard-line voice checks.
  • Estimated timeline for dragon hatch opening is about an hour, with pressure equalization and leak checks ongoing.
  • Inventory management on Dragon, including removal of water bottles and meal consumption tracking.
  • Crew members preparing inside Dragon, awaiting pressure stabilization before opening the hatch.
  • Confirmation of good data connection between Dragon and the International Space Station.
  • Progress in configuring cameras for hatch opening, with communication checks ongoing.
  • Pressurization between Dragon and the ISS completed, awaiting leak checks to confirm stability.
  • Transitioning back to RF communication due to interference issues over hardline, ensuring clear communication.
  • Crew members preparing for waste system flush, coordinating timing with upcoming hatch opening.

02:22:35

"Camera setup and ISS arrival procedures"

  • The note2 camera needs to be connected to the encoder for proper functionality.
  • Ensure the camera is plugged into the encoder for audio to come down via the encoder.
  • Use the freefloat camera and handheld microphone connected to the encoder for clear video and audio.
  • Consider switching back to the normal cable for the camera to avoid battery dependency.
  • Have spare batteries on standby to ensure continuous camera operation.
  • Proceed with the 1615 activity for crew Dragon ISS arrival.
  • Chris Cassidy opens the hatch to the International docking adapter at 11:37 a.m. Central time.
  • Expect a welcome ceremony at 12:15 p.m. Central Time for Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley aboard the ISS.
  • Equalize the pressure between Crew Dragon and the ISS for hatch opening.
  • The hatch to the International Space Station is opened at 12:02 p.m. Central Time, allowing Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to enter.

03:07:50

Historic US Space Station Launch Success

  • International Space Station launched from US soil by an American company for the first time ever.
  • Americans will enter the station from a commercially built spacecraft.
  • Voice check requested on the mic before starting the PA.
  • Step 6.1 of MV duct installation complete, go for IM beat activation.
  • Crew Dragon on demo-2 mission, entering the International Space Station.
  • Hatches opened at 12:02 p.m. Central Time for Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to enter the station.
  • Crew Dragon arrival configuration complete, all valves closed.
  • Senator Ted Cruz congratulates the crew on their successful mission.
  • Crew compares Dragon's ride to the Space Shuttle, noting differences in smoothness and experience.
  • Successful launch and docking praised as a blessing during challenging times, with appreciation for the public-private partnership between NASA and SpaceX.

03:39:42

NASA's Commercial Spaceflight Success and Future Plans

  • NASA TV ratings for the recent spaceflight were exceptional, trending number one on Twitter and dominating social media discussions globally.
  • NASA is transitioning to partnering with commercial industry for spaceflight, moving away from owning and operating rockets and capsules independently.
  • Commercial partnerships will increase access to low-earth orbit, reduce costs, and drive innovation in spaceflight.
  • The success of commercial resupply and crew missions to the International Space Station will pave the way for commercial lunar missions and eventual Mars exploration.
  • The Artemis program aims to sustainably return to the moon with diverse astronauts, utilizing resources for long-term habitation and as a stepping stone to Mars.
  • The recent mission marked a new era in human spaceflight, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships in advancing space exploration.
  • The astronauts' arrival at the International Space Station was celebrated as a significant achievement, inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
  • The mission's success was a moment of unity and hope amidst global challenges, setting the stage for future ambitious space exploration endeavors.
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