More than 5,000 pounds of cargo were delivered to the International Space Station following the successful arrival of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on Monday.
The Dragon cargo vehicle, identified as C211, docked with the ISS's Harmony module at 7:05 a.m. ET during the CRS-33 mission, according to a NASA statement. The vehicle launched Sunday atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The ship spent approximately 29 hours in space before docking, which was completed 25 minutes ahead of schedule. The supplies delivered included equipment for scientific experiments.
“Commercial cargo flights to the ISS provide critical data for testing technologies for the Artemis lunar program and other projects,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy.
The ISS social media post said that C211's cargo includes a metal 3D printing machine, a liver tissue bioprinting device, and stem cell samples for bone tissue research.
“Experiments with the creation of metallic components and biological tissues in microgravity conditions could provide astronauts with resources for medical support and maintenance during lunar and Mars missions,” Duffy said.
C211 is expected to remain docked to the ISS for about five months. During this period, the Dragon's engines will be periodically activated to correct the station's orbital position.
Sourse: www.upi.com
