SpaceX Dragon Capsule Is Now In Orbit!

The third launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket occured today, May 22nd 2012 at 07:44 UTC from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral in Florida. The rocket carried the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft into orbit on it's second mission, COTS 2+. This launch occurred after a scrubbed attempt on May 19th due to a high pressure reading from engine 5, after a visual inspection a faulty check valve was spotted to have remained open, after being replaced the rocket was cleared for flight. COTS 2+ will have the Dragon fly under the International Space Station, test systems, abort scenarios and free drift ability of the spacecraft before if all goes well, berthing to the International Space Station's Harmony Module making history. Dragon would be come the first ever commercial vehicle to dock with the Station. The Dragon is carrying 520 kg of cargo including crew clothing, food and various equipment for experiments. It will also become the first cargo vehicle at the Station able to return cargo...