I had planned to write a few hundred words about Space X's recent successful mission to the ISS and back. Instead, I got sidetracked marveling at the many magnificent pictures that document this mission.
So this looks like a good time to let pictures tell the story. Enjoy.
The mission in pictures - all photo credits: SpaceX and NASA unless noted otherwise.
Dragon atop its Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad on May 18, 2012
IGNITION! and LIFTOFF at 3:44 a.m. EDT on May 22, 2012 from launch pad 40
at Kennedy Space Center
at Kennedy Space Center
Falcon vs. gravity well
~ Falcon wins ~
A view of Falcon 9 launching behind Space Shuttle Enterprise at Kennedy Space Center
It looks just like the Space Shuttle from here!
Dragon, solar panels deployed, in orbit over Namibia
Dragon over the Rocky Mountains
Dragon approaches the International Space Station - May 25, 2012
Historic moment ~ Dragon fully docked at the ISS for the first time, May 25, 2012
Dragon's main chutes are visible as it splashes down several hundred miles off the Coast of Baja California on May 31, 2012
First shot of Dragon floating in the ocean after splashdown
Dragon arrives at the Port of Los Angeles, June 5, 2012
Dragon is heading to Space X's facility in McGregor, TX for unloading
And, might I add that those scorch marks are totally cool!
