USA: First private spacecraft launched

The first private rocket manufacturer "SpaceX" launched an unmanned spacecraft "Dragon" with supplies for the International Space Station.

This is the first time that a private company has provided this kind of service, the "BBC" said, because such tasks are usually performed by capsules belonging to government astronomy agencies, such as NASA and ESA.

The Falcon 9 rocket, with an unmanned capsule, 54 meters long, was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 8:44 a.m. CET.

The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the space station on Thursday, when, at a distance of 2,5 kilometers from the Station, it will demonstrate the capabilities of its guidance, control and communication systems.

If the demonstration is successful, the spacecraft will be allowed to approach the Station within 10 meters on Friday.

Astronauts on the platform will then use a robotic arm to attract and "anchor" the ship.

The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the space station on Thursday, when, at a distance of 2,5 km from the station, it will demonstrate the capabilities of its guidance, control and communication systems.

This mission is very significant because it marks a major change in the way the US wants to conduct operations in space.

NASA is trying to involve commercial industry in routine manned flight operations in low Earth orbit in a similar way that some organizations hire specialized personnel.

Cargo transfer will be the first service provided by external companies, and by the end of the decade, the transportation of astronauts to and from the Station should follow.

The US space agency hopes that these changes will allow it to save money, which it will be able to redirect to missions to explore destinations such as asteroids or Mars.

The International Space Station, a joint project of the USA, Russia, Japan, Canada, Brazil and Europe, is 390 kilometers from Earth.

Gallery