In a move ahead of schedule by about 20 minutes, SpaceX’s Dragon cargo ship automatically docked with the International Space Station’s (ISS) Harmony module. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Nick Hague oversaw the operation. The Dragon delivered a payload of approximately 2.7 tons, including supplies, experiments, and scientific materials.
Launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the uncrewed Dragon spacecraft successfully completed its 31st resupply mission (CRS-31) to the ISS, under NASA’s contract with SpaceX.
Among the cargo onboard are several high-profile experiments. One of these is the Coronal Diagnostic Experiment, designed to study the solar wind. Another key item is the Japanese LignoSat probe, which will test whether wood can be used in space. Additionally, two experiments from the European Space Agency (ESA) will explore how certain materials age once exposed to the harsh conditions of space.
Also included is a tool for studying cold welding of metals in zero gravity and an experiment on Antarctic moss to observe the combined effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity on plant life.
This marks the first mission to dock with the ISS during Expedition 72. The Dragon spacecraft will remain attached to the orbiting station for approximately one month before undocking and making its return to Earth, splashing down off the coast of Florida.
