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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Student investigators Cameron Zandstra, Jack Barth and JP Peerbolte are interviewed by the media in the NASA Newsroom at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during prelaunch activities for the SpaceX demonstration test flight.  The team members are seventh- and eighth-grade students at Highland Christian School in Lake County, Ind.  Their experiment, “The Effect of Microgravity on the Quality and Nutritional Value of the Seed Sprout of Germinated 92M72 Genetically-Modified Soy Bean,” is one of 15 in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, or SSEP, being ferried to the International Space Station inside the Dragon capsule.    The launch will be the second demonstration test flight for SpaceX for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS.  SSEP, which began operation in June 2010 through a partnership of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education with NanoRacks LLC, is a U.S. national science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM education initiative that gives students across a community the opportunity to propose and design real experiments to fly in low Earth orbit. SSEP experiments flew on space shuttle missions STS-134 and STS-135 in 2011, the final flights of space shuttles Endeavour and Atlantis. For more information on SSEP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/station-here-we-come.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-2864

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Student investigators Cameron Zandstra, Jack Ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Student investigators Cameron Zandstra, Jack Barth and JP Peerbolte are interviewed by the media in the NASA Newsroom at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during prelaunch activities for th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Student investigator Ryan Puri is interviewed by the media in the NASA Newsroom at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during prelaunch activities for the SpaceX demonstration test flight. Puri, a tenth-grade student at San Marino High School in San Marino, Calif., is co-investigator of the student-developed experiment “Effect of Microgravity on the Antibacterial Resistance of P. aeruginosa.” The experiment is one of 15 in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, or SSEP, being ferried to the International Space Station inside the Dragon capsule.    The launch will be the second demonstration test flight for SpaceX for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS.  SSEP, which began operation in June 2010 through a partnership of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education with NanoRacks LLC, is a U.S. national science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM education initiative that gives students across a community the opportunity to propose and design real experiments to fly in low Earth orbit. SSEP experiments flew on space shuttle missions STS-134 and STS-135 in 2011, the final flights of space shuttles Endeavour and Atlantis. For more information on SSEP, visit http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/station-here-we-come.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-2863

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Student investigator Ryan Puri is interviewed b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Student investigator Ryan Puri is interviewed by the media in the NASA Newsroom at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during prelaunch activities for the SpaceX demonstration test flight. Pu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station.    CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1931

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur takes part in a ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. Jason Tenenbaum, with SpaceX Mission Operations, left, also takes part in the test.        CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes pa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule p... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, foreground, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. Jason Tenenbaum, with SpaceX Mission Operations, background, also takes part in the test.      CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, foreground, tak...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, foreground, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon caps... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, center, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. United Space Alliance technicians, Dan Nelson, left, and Chris Hardcastle, right, show McArthur two power connectors that are similar to the ones astronauts will use to provide power to Dragon once at the station.    CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1933

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, center, takes p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, center, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. Jason Tenenbaum, with SpaceX Mission Operations, left, also takes part in the test.      CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1932

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes pa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Ready to put spades to work at ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral are (from left) Thad Altman, Florida State representative; Jeff Kottkamp, Florida State Lt. Governor; Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Space Exploration Technologies; Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms, commander of the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing; Lynda Weatherman, Brevard County Economic Development Commission CEO and president; Steve Koehler, president of Space Florida; Janet Petro, deputy director of NASA Kennedy Space Center; Patricia Grace Smith, FAA associate administrator for Commercial Space Transportation; and  Steve Cain, NASA Kennedy Space Center COTS project manager.  As part of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, competition, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 with a cargo-carrying payload on a series of three demonstration missions from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station, culminating with the delivery of supplies to the $100 billion dollar orbiting laboratory. SpaceX intends to demonstrate its launch, maneuvering, berthing and return abilities by 2009 – a year before NASA has scheduled the conclusion of Space Shuttle operations.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3062

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ready to put spades to work at ground-b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ready to put spades to work at ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral are (from left) Thad Altm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms (left) talks about the opportunity for both SpaceX and the 45th Space Wing. As part of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, competition, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 with a cargo-carrying payload on a series of three demonstration missions from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station, culminating with the delivery of supplies to the $100 billion dollar orbiting laboratory. SpaceX intends to demonstrate its launch, maneuvering, berthing and return abilities by 2009 – a year before NASA has scheduled the conclusion of Space Shuttle operations.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3059

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At ground-breaking ceremonies for Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms (left) talks about the opp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Steve Koehler, president of Space Florida, talks about the opportunity for both SpaceX and the 45th Space Wing that the new facility will provide As part of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, competition, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 with a cargo-carrying payload on a series of three demonstration missions from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station, culminating with the delivery of supplies to the $100 billion dollar orbiting laboratory. SpaceX intends to demonstrate its launch, maneuvering, berthing and return abilities by 2009 – a year before NASA has scheduled the conclusion of Space Shuttle operations.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3061

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At ground-breaking ceremonies for Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Steve Koehler, president of Space Florida, talks abo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Space Exploration Technologies, talks about opportunity for both SpaceX and the 45th Space Wing that the new facility will provide.  As part of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, competition, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 with a cargo-carrying payload on a series of three demonstration missions from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station, culminating with the delivery of supplies to the $100 billion dollar orbiting laboratory. SpaceX intends to demonstrate its launch, maneuvering, berthing and return abilities by 2009 – a year before NASA has scheduled the conclusion of Space Shuttle operations.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3060

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At ground-breaking ceremonies for Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Space Exploration Tech... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4345

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4342

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4337

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4334

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4346

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4336

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4335

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4338

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4340

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4344

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4341

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4343

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit.          SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4339

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure.   During the test, all nine Merlin engines, which use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust, are expected to fire at once. After the test, SpaceX will conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.          This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which will end after the engines fire at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5773

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure. Durin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure.   During the test, all nine Merlin engines, which use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust, are expected to fire at once. After the test, SpaceX will conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.          This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which will end after the engines fire at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5770

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure. Durin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure.   During the test, all nine Merlin engines, which use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust, are expected to fire at once. After the test, SpaceX will conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.        This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which will end after the engines fire at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight.  Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2010-5769

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure. Durin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket awaits a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in which all nine Merlin engines will fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust. After the test, SpaceX will conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.          This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which will end after the engines fire at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight.  Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2010-5768

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket awaits a static fir...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket awaits a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in which all nine Merlin engines will fire at once. The engines use r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure.   During the test, all nine Merlin engines, which use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust, are expected to fire at once. After the test, SpaceX will conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.          This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which will end after the engines fire at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5771

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was aborted at T minus 1.1 seconds due to high engine chamber pressure. Durin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket awaits a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in which all nine Merlin engines will fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust. After the test, SpaceX will conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.          This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which will end after the engines fire at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5772

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket awaits a static fir...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket awaits a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in which all nine Merlin engines will fire at once. The engines use r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, all nine Merlin engines of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust. After the test, SpaceX began to conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.          This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which ended after the engines fired at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5776

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Comp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, all nine Merlin engines of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, all nine Merlin engines of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust. After the test, SpaceX began to conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.          This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which ended after the engines fired at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight.  Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5774

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Comp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, all nine Merlin engines of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, all nine Merlin engines of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to produce 1 million pounds of thrust. After the test, SpaceX began to conduct a thorough review of all data as engineers make final preparations for the first launch of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Dragon spacecraft to low Earth orbit atop the Falcon 9.            This first stage firing is part of a full launch dress rehearsal, which ended after the engines fired at full power for two seconds, with only the hold-down system restraining the rocket from flight. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5775

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Comp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a static fire test on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, all nine Merlin engines of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fire at once. The engines use rocket-grade... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5798

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5796

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5793

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5795

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5794

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft race toward orbit after launching from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. The Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.        This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5800

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft race toward orbit after launching from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. The Dragon capsule w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 10:43 a.m. EST.        SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Alan Ault KSC-2010-5790

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 10:43 a.m. EST. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demo... More

The Dragon capsule that launched from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is recovered in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. The rocket lifted off at 10:43 a.m. EST. The spacecraft went through several maneuvers before it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down at about 2 p.m. EST. This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: Courtesy SpaceX COTS-1

The Dragon capsule that launched from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canave...

The Dragon capsule that launched from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is recovered in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. The roc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5792

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 10:43 a.m. EST.        SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Alan Ault KSC-2010-5791

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 10:43 a.m. EST. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5799

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Dragon capsule that launched from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is recovered in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. The rocket lifted off at 10:43 a.m. EST. The spacecraft went through several maneuvers before it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down at about 2 p.m. EST.       This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: Courtesy SpaceX KSC-2010-5802

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Dragon capsule that launched from Launch C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Dragon capsule that launched from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is recovered in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft race toward orbit after launching from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. The Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.        This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2010-5801

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft race toward orbit after launching from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. The Dragon capsule w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through several maneuvers before it re-enters the atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico.          This is first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2010-5797

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 10:43 a.m. EST. In orbit, the Dragon capsule will go through ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of a Falcon 9 built by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) sits on processing stands inside the company's hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This image shows the nine Merlin engines that power the first stage. Technicians are preparing the rocket for the second launch in the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program to demonstrate private companies' ability to launch uncrewed spacecraft into orbit. A follow-on contract, Commercial Resupply Services, calls for SpaceX to launch 12 resupply missions to the International Space Station between 2011 and 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3304

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of a Falcon 9 built by Space E...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of a Falcon 9 built by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) sits on processing stands inside the company's hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians work with processing hardware for the Falcon 9 rocket in the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Technicians are preparing the rocket for the second launch in the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program to demonstrate private companies' ability to launch uncrewed spacecraft into orbit. A follow-on contract, Commercial Resupply Services, calls for SpaceX to launch 12 resupply missions to the International Space Station between 2011 and 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3307

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians work with processing hardware for ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians work with processing hardware for the Falcon 9 rocket in the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The forward end of the first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket as the stage sits on processing stands inside the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaecX) hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Technicians are preparing the rocket for the second launch in the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program to demonstrate private companies' ability to launch uncrewed spacecraft into orbit. A follow-on contract, Commercial Resupply Services, calls for SpaceX to launch 12 resupply missions to the International Space Station between 2011 and 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3305

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The forward end of the first stage of a Falcon...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The forward end of the first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket as the stage sits on processing stands inside the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaecX) hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Cana... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage and interstage components of a Falcon 9 rocket sit on adjacent processing stands in the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Technicians are preparing the rocket for the second launch in the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program to demonstrate private companies' ability to launch uncrewed spacecraft into orbit. A follow-on contract, Commercial Resupply Services, calls for SpaceX to launch 12 resupply missions to the International Space Station between 2011 and 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3306

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage and interstage components of a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage and interstage components of a Falcon 9 rocket sit on adjacent processing stands in the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) hangar at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, displays a mock-up of its Dragon capsule during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida.    In December 2010, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from CCAFS's Launch Complex 40. The Dragon capsule went through several maneuvers before it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. That was the first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. The company is preparing for another launch in late 2011, in which the Dragon spacecraft and trunk will fly close to the space station so the station’s robotic arm can grab the spacecraft and bring it in for a docking.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5107

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, displays a mock-up of its Dragon capsule during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida. In December 20... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, opens its doors for a media tour of its Launch Control Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida.    In December 2010, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from CCAFS's Launch Complex 40. The Dragon capsule went through several maneuvers before it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. That was the first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. The company is preparing for another launch in late 2011, in which the Dragon spacecraft and trunk will fly close to the space station so the station’s robotic arm can grab the spacecraft and bring it in for a docking.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5103

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, opens its doors for a media tour of its Launch Control Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida. In December 2... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, displays a mock-up of its Dragon capsule during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida.    In December 2010, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from CCAFS's Launch Complex 40. The Dragon capsule went through several maneuvers before it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. That was the first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. The company is preparing for another launch in late 2011, in which the Dragon spacecraft and trunk will fly close to the space station so the station’s robotic arm can grab the spacecraft and bring it in for a docking.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5106

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, displays a mock-up of its Dragon capsule during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida. In December 20... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, displays a mock-up of its Dragon capsule during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida.    In December 2010, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from CCAFS's Launch Complex 40. The Dragon capsule went through several maneuvers before it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. That was the first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. The company is preparing for another launch in late 2011, in which the Dragon spacecraft and trunk will fly close to the space station so the station’s robotic arm can grab the spacecraft and bring it in for a docking.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5108

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, displays a mock-up of its Dragon capsule during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida. In December 20... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, shows off its Launch Control Center during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida.    In December 2010, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from CCAFS's Launch Complex 40. The Dragon capsule went through several maneuvers before it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles west of the coast of Mexico. That was the first demonstration flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which will provide cargo flights to the International Space Station in the future. The company is preparing for another launch in late 2011, in which the Dragon spacecraft and trunk will fly close to the space station so the station’s robotic arm can grab the spacecraft and bring it in for a docking.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5105

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, shows off its Launch Control Center during a media tour at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, or CCAFS, in Florida. In December 2010, S... More

A truck carries the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2011-7523

A truck carries the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Space...

A truck carries the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 roc... More

A truck carries the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2011-7522

A truck carries the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Space...

A truck carries the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 roc... More

Workers lift the transportation canister away from the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2011-7525

Workers lift the transportation canister away from the latest Space Ex...

Workers lift the transportation canister away from the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and at... More

Workers lower the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2011-7527

Workers lower the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)...

Workers lower the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocke... More

Workers unwrap the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule inside a building at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2011-7528

Workers unwrap the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX...

Workers unwrap the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule inside a building at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top ... More

A truck brings the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2011-7521

A truck brings the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX...

A truck brings the latest Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Oct. 23 so it can be processed and attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rock... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule is readied for lifting and placement to its cargo ring inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Nov. 16. Later, the combination will be attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-7852

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule is readied for lifting and placement to its cargo ring inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule is placed atop its cargo ring inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Nov. 16. Later, the combination will be attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-7854

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule is placed atop its cargo ring inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Nov. 16. Later... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule is lifted to be placed atop its cargo ring inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Nov. 16. Later, the combination will be attached to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Space Launch Complex-40 for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 rocket would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-8274

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon capsule is lifted to be placed atop its cargo ring inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on N... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida during a launch dress rehearsal for the company’s next demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services-2 COTS-2) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-1566

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida during a launch dress rehearsal for the company’s next demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services-2 COTS-2) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-1568

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida during a launch dress rehearsal for the company’s next demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services-2 COTS-2) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-1567

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida during a launch dress rehearsal for the company’s next demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services-2 COTS-2) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-1565

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida during a launch dress rehearsal for the company’s next demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services-2 COTS-2) program.    SpaceX is one of two companies under contract with NASA to take cargo to the International Space Station. NASA is working with SpaceX to combine its last two demonstration flights, and if approved, the Falcon 9 would launch the Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory for a docking within the next several months. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-1569

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule attached on top sits fully fueled on Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Falcon 9 rocket is under way on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading the rocket with its propellants and a simulated countdown.  Atop the rocket is a Dragon capsule.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1617

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Falcon 9 rocket is under way on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Falcon 9 rocket is under way on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare to move a cargo container onto a lift to facilitate its installation into a Dragon capsule.  The Dragon is set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.      The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1629

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare to move a cargo container onto a lift to facilitate its i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare to position a cargo container onto a lift to facilitate its installation into a Dragon capsule.  The Dragon is set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1630

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare to position a cargo container onto a lift to facilitate i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo container is installed inside a Dragon capsule.  The Dragon is set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.      The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1633

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo container is installed inside a Dragon capsule. The Dragon is set to launch ab... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to install cargo containers into a Dragon capsule for launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1627

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to install cargo containers into a Dragon capsule for launch... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Falcon 9 rocket is under way on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading the rocket with its propellants and a simulated countdown.  Atop the rocket is a Dragon capsule.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1616

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Falcon 9 rocket is under way on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Falcon 9 rocket is under way on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo container is lifted toward the open hatch of a Dragon capsule.  The Dragon is set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1631

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo container is lifted toward the open hatch of a Dragon capsule. The Dragon is s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The lightning protection system on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is in place to protect a Falcon 9 rocket if a storm should develop following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading the rocket with its propellants and a simulated countdown.  Atop the rocket is a Dragon capsule.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1621

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The lightning protection system on Space Launch...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The lightning protection system on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is in place to protect a Falcon 9 rocket if a storm should develop following a we... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare a cargo container for installation into a Dragon capsule for launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1628

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare a cargo container for installation into a Dragon capsule ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Dragon capsule is under way on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading the rocket with its propellants and a simulated countdown.  The rocket sits atop a Falcon 9 rocket.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1618

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Dragon capsule is under way on ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Evaluation of a Dragon capsule is under way on Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lightning catenary masts stand ready to protect a Falcon 9 rocket if a storm should develop over Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dress rehearsal on March 1, which included loading the rocket with its propellants and a simulated countdown.  Atop the rocket is a Dragon capsule.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1620

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lightning catenary masts stand ready to protect...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lightning catenary masts stand ready to protect a Falcon 9 rocket if a storm should develop over Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a wet dre... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the hatch of the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule has been closed following stowage of cargo in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2521

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the hatch of the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule has been closed following ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a Space Exploration Technologies technician attaches a cargo bag to the crane that will lift it toward the Dragon capsule where it will be stowed in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2517

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a Space Exploration Technologies technician attaches a cargo bag to the crane that will l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2511

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag is lowered into the hands of a Space Exploration Technologies technician who will load it into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2515

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag is lowered into the hands of a Space Exploration Technologies technician who ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag slides through the docking ring into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule for stowage for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2516

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag slides through the docking ring into the Space Exploration Technologies Drago... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians stow cargo in the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2514

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians stow cargo in the Dragon capsule in preparatio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to load cargo into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2510

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to load cargo into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon c... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians close the hatch of the Dragon capsule.  The hatch was open for cargo to be stowed in the capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2520

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians close the hatch of the Dragon capsule. The ha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2513

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians prepare to close the hatch of the Dragon capsule.  The hatch was open for cargo to be stowed in the capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.      Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2519

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians prepare to close the hatch of the Dragon capsu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, cargo has been stowed in the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2518

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, cargo has been stowed in the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2512

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments requiring refrigeration are prepared for placement in a cargo bag designed to keep its contents cool. The module’s experiments requiring cold stowage are being prepared for transport to Space Launch Complex-40 on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.    There, the bags will be loaded into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 uses a two-cube unit box for student competition investigations using 15 liquid mixing tube assemblies that function similar to commercial glow sticks. The investigations range from microbial growth to water purification in microgravity. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the module and other cargo will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2508

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments requiring refrigeration are prepared for placement in a car... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments requiring refrigeration are placed in a cargo bag designed to keep its contents cool. The module’s experiments requiring cold stowage are being prepared for transport to Space Launch Complex-40 on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.    There, the bags will be loaded into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 uses a two-cube unit box for student competition investigations using 15 liquid mixing tube assemblies that function similar to commercial glow sticks. The investigations range from microbial growth to water purification in microgravity. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the module and other cargo will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2509

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments requiring refrigeration are placed in a cargo bag designed ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cargo bag designed to keep its contents cool is readied to receive the NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments. The module’s experiments requiring cold stowage are being prepared for transport to Space Launch Complex-40 on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.    There, the bags will be loaded into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 uses a two-cube unit box for student competition investigations using 15 liquid mixing tube assemblies that function similar to commercial glow sticks. The investigations range from microbial growth to water purification in microgravity. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the module and other cargo will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2507

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cargo bag designed to keep its contents cool is readied to receive the NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 ex... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, refrigerated NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments are being prepared for transport to Space Launch Complex-40 on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.    There, the bags will be loaded into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 uses a two-cube unit box for student competition investigations using 15 liquid mixing tube assemblies that function similar to commercial glow sticks. The investigations range from microbial growth to water purification in microgravity. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the module and other cargo will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2506

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, refrigerated NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments are being prepared for transport to Space Launch C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cargo bag designed to keep its contents cool is packed with NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments in preparation to transport it to Space Launch Complex-40 on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.     There, the bag will be loaded into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 uses a two-cube unit box for student competition investigations using 15 liquid mixing tube assemblies that function similar to commercial glow sticks. The investigations range from microbial growth to water purification in microgravity. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the module and other cargo will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2524

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cargo bag designed to keep its contents cool is packed with NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cargo bag packed with NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments is weighed before it is transported to Space Launch Complex-40 on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for cold stowage.     There, the bag will be loaded into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 uses a two-cube unit box for student competition investigations using 15 liquid mixing tube assemblies that function similar to commercial glow sticks. The investigations range from microbial growth to water purification in microgravity. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the module and other cargo will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2525

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cargo bag packed with NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments is weighed before it is transported to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The van transporting the cargo bag packed with NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments, arrives at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for cold stowage.    The bag will be loaded into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 uses a two-cube unit box for student competition investigations using 15 liquid mixing tube assemblies that function similar to commercial glow sticks. The investigations range from microbial growth to water purification in microgravity. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the module and other cargo will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2528

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The van transporting the cargo bag packed with ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The van transporting the cargo bag packed with NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments, arrives at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for cold stowage.... More

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