Space X has had a rough cut and weathered turbulent times since September 1, 2016 when their unmanned Falcon 9 blasted apart during pre-launch testing.
Dragon
The Dragon space rocket took off today at 9:39 a.m. EST and is headed for the international space station. It is transporting cargo, supplies, food, clothes, and experiments. The space stations’ robotic arm will reach out and bring the Dragon into the dock within two days. Once completed, the Dragon will be loaded at the space station return to Earth on March 21st in the Pacific Ocean off Baja, California.
Costs
Costs to SpaceX have exceeded the $100 million mark. Since 2014, SpaceX has a 20-year lease from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for Launch Complex 39. The September disaster obliterated the launch pad and Facebook satellite designed to supply the Middle East, Africa, and Europe with internet. Planned repairs to Launch Complex 39 will have it active and working before the end of this year.
SpaceX
SpaceX, established by industrialist Elon Musk, has revitalized the shuttle program since the July 2011 retirement by NASA. Their objective is to create sustainable, cost-effective missions by crafting reusable rocket technology. Their mission was doubly accomplished today, when eight minutes after Dragon lift off, the rockets’ 15-story leftover booster returned to land safely at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
July 8, 2011 marked the culmination of the NASA shuttle program with the Atlantis.
International Space Station
The International Space Station is a collaborative partnership among the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency. In orbit for 16 years, the station is currently home to six astronauts whose mission concludes in April.
Space travel
SpaceX anticipates potentially launching high-tech robots, Mars missions, astronauts, and then possibly consumers in future space travel.
CNN reports Kennedy Space Center’s director, Robert Cabana, a four time shuttle leader said prior to blast off, “It's just really an exciting time.”
