SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt.<h2>SpaceX's first three launches all failed</h2>Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal.<h2>The fourth launch changed the company's future</h2>After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited.<h2>From survival mode to a space industry leader</h2>The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA.Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person.<h2>Why those early failures still matter</h2>SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt. SpaceX's first three launches all failed Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal. The fourth launch changed the company's future After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited. From survival mode to a space industry leader The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA. Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person. Why those early failures still matter SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks. The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

How many times did SpaceX's rockets fail before their first successful launch?

NASA is preparing to send four astronauts to the International Space Station under its SpaceX Crew-12 mission, marking the 12th crew rotation flight under the Commercial Crew Programme. The mission will carry astronauts from the United States, Europe and Russia for an eight-month stay in orbit, focused on science, technology tests and station maintenance.The crew will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida.&nbsp;<h2>SpaceX Crew-12 mission</h2>Crew-12 is a long-duration mission to the International Space Station. The astronauts will join Expedition 74, living and working in space for around eight months.The mission will focus on research that supports future Moon and Mars missions and delivers benefits on Earth. This includes experiments on human health, plant growth, and new space technologies.The Dragon spacecraft used for Crew-12 has already flown multiple missions, including earlier NASA crew flights and private astronaut missions.&nbsp;<h2>Astronauts on Crew-12</h2>The mission brings together four crew members from different space agencies.NASA astronaut&nbsp;Jessica Meir is the mission commander. This will be her second spaceflight. She previously spent more than 200 days aboard the space station and took part in the first all-women spacewalks.NASA astronaut&nbsp;Jack Hathaway will serve as pilot. Crew-12 will be his first space mission. Hathaway is a US Navy commander with more than 2,500 flight hours.Joining them are&nbsp;Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency and&nbsp;Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos, both serving as mission specialists. For Adenot, this will be her first spaceflight, while Fedyaev has already completed one long-duration mission aboard the ISS.&nbsp;<h2>What science Crew-12 will carry out in space</h2>During their stay, the astronauts will run a wide range of experiments. According to NASA, these include studies on pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve treatments, research on blood flow in microgravity, and tests to produce intravenous fluids on demand in space.The crew will also work on automated plant health monitoring and experiments involving plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes. These studies aim to improve food production for future deep-space missions.In addition, Crew-12 will help maintain the space station, support visiting cargo spacecraft and assist with crew handovers.&nbsp;<h2>How the launch and docking will happen</h2>After liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket will push Dragon to speeds of about 17,500 miles per hour. The spacecraft will then perform a series of automated manoeuvres to dock with the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module.Although Dragon is designed to dock on its own, the crew can take manual control if needed. Once docked, the astronauts will be welcomed by the Expedition 74 crew already on board.&nbsp;<h2>Why Crew-12 matters for NASA’s future plans</h2>NASA says the International Space Station remains a key testbed for long-duration human spaceflight. Lessons from missions like Crew-12 help the agency prepare for the Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and later send astronauts to Mars.As commercial companies handle routine trips to low Earth orbit, NASA is focusing more on deep-space exploration. Crew-12 is part of that transition, combining international cooperation, commercial spacecraft and long-term science in space.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 will send four astronauts to the International Space Station for an eight-month mission focused on science, station upkeep and preparing for Moon and Mars missions.

NASA is preparing to send four astronauts to the International Space Station under its SpaceX Crew-12 mission, marking the 12th crew rotation flight under the Commercial Crew Programme. The mission will carry astronauts from the United States, Europe and Russia for an eight-month stay in orbit, focused on science, technology tests and station maintenance. The crew will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida. SpaceX Crew-12 mission Crew-12 is a long-duration mission to the International Space Station. The astronauts will join Expedition 74, living and working in space for around eight months. The mission will focus on research that supports future Moon and Mars missions and delivers benefits on Earth. This includes experiments on human health, plant growth, and new space technologies. The Dragon spacecraft used for Crew-12 has already flown multiple missions, including earlier NASA crew flights and private astronaut missions. Astronauts on Crew-12 The mission brings together four crew members from different space agencies. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir is the mission commander. This will be her second spaceflight. She previously spent more than 200 days aboard the space station and took part in the first all-women spacewalks. NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway will serve as pilot. Crew-12 will be his first space mission. Hathaway is a US Navy commander with more than 2,500 flight hours. Joining them are Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency and Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos, both serving as mission specialists. For Adenot, this will be her first spaceflight, while Fedyaev has already completed one long-duration mission aboard the ISS. What science Crew-12 will carry out in space During their stay, the astronauts will run a wide range of experiments. According to NASA, these include studies on pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve treatments, research on blood flow in microgravity, and tests to produce intravenous fluids on demand in space. The crew will also work on automated plant health monitoring and experiments involving plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes. These studies aim to improve food production for future deep-space missions. In addition, Crew-12 will help maintain the space station, support visiting cargo spacecraft and assist with crew handovers. How the launch and docking will happen After liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket will push Dragon to speeds of about 17,500 miles per hour. The spacecraft will then perform a series of automated manoeuvres to dock with the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. Although Dragon is designed to dock on its own, the crew can take manual control if needed. Once docked, the astronauts will be welcomed by the Expedition 74 crew already on board. Why Crew-12 matters for NASA’s future plans NASA says the International Space Station remains a key testbed for long-duration human spaceflight. Lessons from missions like Crew-12 help the agency prepare for the Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and later send astronauts to Mars. As commercial companies handle routine trips to low Earth orbit, NASA is focusing more on deep-space exploration. Crew-12 is part of that transition, combining international cooperation, commercial spacecraft and long-term science in space.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 will send four astronauts to the International Space Station for an eight-month mission focused on science, station upkeep and preparing for Moon and Mars missions.

What is NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission: Everything you should know

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three fellow crew members of the Axiom-4 mission have started their return to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back began on Monday at around 4:50 pm IST, following the undocking of their Dragon spacecraft, which saw a few delays but no technical issues, according to NASA.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-germany-s-taurus-missiles-here-s-why-ukraine-keeps-asking-for-them-1752489150206">'Game-changer on battlefield': What are Germany’s Taurus missiles? Here's why Ukraine keeps asking for them</a><h2>When and where will the spacecraft land?</h2>As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed. The spacecraft is also carrying over 250 kilograms of cargo, including scientific samples and equipment used in various experiments during the mission.<h2>When did Shukla’s journey to space begin?</h2>The Axiom-4 mission took off on June 25, with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifting off just after noon IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The spacecraft docked at the ISS the next day. Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as pilot of the mission, became the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. On June 28, Shukla also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a symbolic moment for India’s growing space presence.<h2>Who else was on the Axiom-4 crew?</h2>The crew included:• Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of the European Space Agency (ESA)• Tibor Kapu, part of Hungary’s HUNOR programme• Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space<h2>What did the Axiom-4 crew work on?</h2>The astronauts conducted a wide range of experiments across medicine, agriculture, and space biology. Shubhanshu Shukla focused on skeletal and muscle degradation in microgravity. He also tested microalgae growth as a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. Other experiments included work on cancer research, plant biology, microgreens, and blood circulation in space. The team also participated in a mental health study for astronauts.

As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three fellow crew members of the Axiom-4 mission have started their return to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back began on Monday at around 4:50 pm IST, following the undocking of their Dragon spacecraft, which saw a few delays but no technical issues, according to NASA. Also read: 'Game-changer on battlefield': What are Germany’s Taurus missiles? Here's why Ukraine keeps asking for them When and where will the spacecraft land? As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed. The spacecraft is also carrying over 250 kilograms of cargo, including scientific samples and equipment used in various experiments during the mission. When did Shukla’s journey to space begin? The Axiom-4 mission took off on June 25, with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifting off just after noon IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The spacecraft docked at the ISS the next day. Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as pilot of the mission, became the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. On June 28, Shukla also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a symbolic moment for India’s growing space presence. Who else was on the Axiom-4 crew? The crew included: • Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) • Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of the European Space Agency (ESA) • Tibor Kapu, part of Hungary’s HUNOR programme • Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space What did the Axiom-4 crew work on? The astronauts conducted a wide range of experiments across medicine, agriculture, and space biology. Shubhanshu Shukla focused on skeletal and muscle degradation in microgravity. He also tested microalgae growth as a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. Other experiments included work on cancer research, plant biology, microgreens, and blood circulation in space. The team also participated in a mental health study for astronauts.

As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed.

Dragon undocks from ISS: Shubhanshu Shukla begins journey back to Earth after 18 days in space - Here’s when the Axiom-4 crew will land

Bone cancer survivor&nbsp;Hayley Arceneaux will join&nbsp;billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX's&nbsp;first all-civilian mission into Earth's orbit.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced Monday that the 29-year-old physician assistant,&nbsp;a former patient hired last spring,&nbsp;will launch later this year alongside a billionaire who's using his purchased spaceflight as a charitable fundraiser.

Arceneaux will become the youngest American in space&nbsp;beating NASA record-holder Sally Ride by over two years&nbsp;when she blasts off this fall with entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and two yet-to-be-chosen contest winners. She'll also be the first to launch with a prosthesis.

The second seat will&nbsp;be drawn from those who enter the raffle and are encouraged to donate to the hospital.

A third will be picked by a panel of judges from entrepreneurs who use an e-commerce tool from&nbsp;Isaacman's company, Shift4 Payments.

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Isaacman announced his space mission on February 1, pledging to raise $200 million for St. Jude, half of that his own contribution.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: a journey into outer space on the first all-civilian space flight," according to a website dedicated to the mission.

All three crewmembers "will receive commercial astronaut training by SpaceX on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft," as well as orbital mechanics and stress testing, including operating in micro- or zero gravity, the statement said.

SpaceX says that during the multi-day mission, the astronauts will orbit Earth every 90 minutes.

After the mission, the spacecraft will reenter the atmosphere for a water landing off the Florida coast.

In mid-November 2020, four astronauts were successfully carried into orbit by a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and boarded the International Space Station.

The Dragon capsule had just a week prior become the first spacecraft to be certified by NASA since the Space Shuttle nearly 40 years ago. Its launch vehicle is the reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.&nbsp;

At the end of its missions, the Crew Dragon deploys parachutes and then splashes down in the water, just as in the Apollo era.

NASA turned to SpaceX and Boeing after shuttering the checkered Space Shuttle program in 2011, which failed in its main objectives of making space travel affordable and safe.

The agency will have spent more than $8 billion on the Commercial Crew program by 2024, with the hope that the private sector can take care of NASA's needs in "low Earth orbit" so it is freed up to focus on return missions to the Moon and then on to Mars.

In addition to the first commercial mission, SpaceX is scheduled to launch two more crewed flights for NASA in 2021, including one in the spring, and four cargo refueling missions over the next 15 months.

Bone cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux will join billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX's first all-civilian mission into Earth's orbit. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced Monday that the 29-year-old physician assistant, a former patient hired last spring, will launch later this year alongside a billionaire who's using his purchased spaceflight as a charitable fundraiser.

Bone cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux will join billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX's first all-civilian mission into Earth's orbit. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced Monday that the 29-year-old physician assistant, a former patient hired last spring, will launch later this year alongside a billionaire who's using his purchased spaceflight as a charitable fundraiser. Arceneaux will become the youngest American in space beating NASA record-holder Sally Ride by over two years when she blasts off this fall with entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and two yet-to-be-chosen contest winners. She'll also be the first to launch with a prosthesis. The second seat will be drawn from those who enter the raffle and are encouraged to donate to the hospital. A third will be picked by a panel of judges from entrepreneurs who use an e-commerce tool from Isaacman's company, Shift4 Payments. Also read: SpaceX announces first commercial astronaut mission to orbit Earth Isaacman announced his space mission on February 1, pledging to raise $200 million for St. Jude, half of that his own contribution. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: a journey into outer space on the first all-civilian space flight," according to a website dedicated to the mission. All three crewmembers "will receive commercial astronaut training by SpaceX on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft," as well as orbital mechanics and stress testing, including operating in micro- or zero gravity, the statement said. SpaceX says that during the multi-day mission, the astronauts will orbit Earth every 90 minutes. After the mission, the spacecraft will reenter the atmosphere for a water landing off the Florida coast. In mid-November 2020, four astronauts were successfully carried into orbit by a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and boarded the International Space Station. The Dragon capsule had just a week prior become the first spacecraft to be certified by NASA since the Space Shuttle nearly 40 years ago. Its launch vehicle is the reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. At the end of its missions, the Crew Dragon deploys parachutes and then splashes down in the water, just as in the Apollo era. NASA turned to SpaceX and Boeing after shuttering the checkered Space Shuttle program in 2011, which failed in its main objectives of making space travel affordable and safe. The agency will have spent more than $8 billion on the Commercial Crew program by 2024, with the hope that the private sector can take care of NASA's needs in "low Earth orbit" so it is freed up to focus on return missions to the Moon and then on to Mars. In addition to the first commercial mission, SpaceX is scheduled to launch two more crewed flights for NASA in 2021, including one in the spring, and four cargo refueling missions over the next 15 months.

Bone cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux to join billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX 'all-civilian' trip

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Sunday said that the crew of Dragon spacecraft of&nbsp;Elon Musk's SpaceX is all set to break the record for most days in space.

Four flight engineers,&nbsp;Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and Soichi Noguchi, docked the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the US module last November."They will surpass the record of 84 days set by the Skylab 4 crew on February 8, 1974," NASA said.

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The Skylab 4 crew, with NASA astronauts Gerald Carr, Edward Gibson and William Pogue, docked their Apollo spacecraft to the Skylab space station 47 years to the day when the SpaceX crew docked to the orbiting lab, the US space authority estimated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;NASA has selected tech billionaire Elon Musk`s private aerospace company SpaceX to provide launch services for an astrophysics mission to survey the sky in the near-infrared light. 
 
The planned two-year mission is called SPHEREx, short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer. 
 
The near-infrared light, which, though not visible to the human eye, serves as a powerful tool for answering cosmic questions involving the birth of the universe, and the subsequent development of galaxies, according to NASA. 
 
SPHEREx will also will search for water and organic molecules -- essentials for life as we know it -- in regions where stars are born from gas and dust, known as stellar nurseries, as well as disks around stars where new planets could be forming, the US space agency said this week. 
 
The mission currently is targeted to launch as early as June 2024 on a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. 
 
Astronomers will use the mission to gather data on more than 300 million galaxies, as well as more than 100 million stars in our own Milky Way galaxy. 
 
The total cost for NASA to launch SPHEREx is approximately $98.8 million, which includes the launch service and other mission related costs.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Sunday said that the crew of Dragon spacecraft of Elon Musk's SpaceX is all set to break the record for most days in space.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Sunday said that the crew of Dragon spacecraft of Elon Musk's SpaceX is all set to break the record for most days in space. Four flight engineers, Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and Soichi Noguchi, docked the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the US module last November."They will surpass the record of 84 days set by the Skylab 4 crew on February 8, 1974," NASA said. Also see| Watch: SpaceX Starship explodes into a fireball after its high altitude test flight The Skylab 4 crew, with NASA astronauts Gerald Carr, Edward Gibson and William Pogue, docked their Apollo spacecraft to the Skylab space station 47 years to the day when the SpaceX crew docked to the orbiting lab, the US space authority estimated. Meanwhile, NASA has selected tech billionaire Elon Musk`s private aerospace company SpaceX to provide launch services for an astrophysics mission to survey the sky in the near-infrared light. The planned two-year mission is called SPHEREx, short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer. The near-infrared light, which, though not visible to the human eye, serves as a powerful tool for answering cosmic questions involving the birth of the universe, and the subsequent development of galaxies, according to NASA. SPHEREx will also will search for water and organic molecules -- essentials for life as we know it -- in regions where stars are born from gas and dust, known as stellar nurseries, as well as disks around stars where new planets could be forming, the US space agency said this week. The mission currently is targeted to launch as early as June 2024 on a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Astronomers will use the mission to gather data on more than 300 million galaxies, as well as more than 100 million stars in our own Milky Way galaxy. The total cost for NASA to launch SPHEREx is approximately $98.8 million, which includes the launch service and other mission related costs.

SpaceX's Dragon Crew to break record for most days in space

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, carrying the uncrewed cargo Dragon spacecraft on its journey to the International Space Station for NASA and SpaceXs 21st commercial mission. 
 
The upgraded Dragon spacecraft successfully separated from the Falcon 9 rocket`s second stage, as the spacecraft continued its journey to the&nbsp;ISS to deliver critical supplies, equipment, and material to support multiple science and research and experiments that will take place aboard the space station.

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Dragon was slated to arrive at the orbiting laboratory on Monday, NASA said in a statement. 
 
It will autonomously dock to the station`s Harmony module — the first automated docking for a SpaceX cargo resupply mission — while NASA astronauts and&nbsp;Expedition 64&nbsp;Flight Engineers Kate Rubins and Victor Glover monitor docking operations.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/life-on-mars-probably-not-existed-on-surface-finds-study-347130">Life on Mars probably not existed on surface, finds study</a> 
 
Dragon will deliver more than 6,400 pounds of science investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory. The mission marks the first launch for SpaceX under NASA`s CRS-2 contract. 
 
The Dragon spacecraft is filled with supplies and payloads, including critical materials to directly support dozens of the more than 250&nbsp;science and research investigations&nbsp;that will occur during&nbsp;Expeditions 64&nbsp;and 65. 
 
In addition to bringing research to the station, the Dragon`s unpressurised trunk will transport the&nbsp;Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. 
 
The first commercially funded space station airlock, the Bishop Airlock is an airtight segment used for transfer of payloads between the inside and outside of the station. 
 
The Dragon spacecraft will spend about one month attached to the space station before it returns to Earth with research and return cargo, with splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, carrying the uncrewed cargo Dragon spacecraft on its journey to the International Space Station for NASA and SpaceXs 21st commercial mission.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, carrying the uncrewed cargo Dragon spacecraft on its journey to the International Space Station for NASA and SpaceXs 21st commercial mission. The upgraded Dragon spacecraft successfully separated from the Falcon 9 rocket`s second stage, as the spacecraft continued its journey to the ISS to deliver critical supplies, equipment, and material to support multiple science and research and experiments that will take place aboard the space station. Also read| Japan space probe carrying asteroid rocks arrives on Earth Dragon was slated to arrive at the orbiting laboratory on Monday, NASA said in a statement. It will autonomously dock to the station`s Harmony module — the first automated docking for a SpaceX cargo resupply mission — while NASA astronauts and Expedition 64 Flight Engineers Kate Rubins and Victor Glover monitor docking operations. Also read| Life on Mars probably not existed on surface, finds study Dragon will deliver more than 6,400 pounds of science investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory. The mission marks the first launch for SpaceX under NASA`s CRS-2 contract. The Dragon spacecraft is filled with supplies and payloads, including critical materials to directly support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations that will occur during Expeditions 64 and 65. In addition to bringing research to the station, the Dragon`s unpressurised trunk will transport the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. The first commercially funded space station airlock, the Bishop Airlock is an airtight segment used for transfer of payloads between the inside and outside of the station. The Dragon spacecraft will spend about one month attached to the space station before it returns to Earth with research and return cargo, with splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX, NASA launch upgraded cargo Dragon spacecraft to ISS

A SpaceX rocket successfully launched on Thursday (July 25) en route to the International Space Station with the company's Dragon spacecraft. According to NASA, it was a "great launch" with clear weather. The Dragon will dock at the International Space Station to deliver supplies. The docking is expected on Saturday (July 27). The supplies include scientific equipment and a new docking adapter.

Successful launch for SpaceX rocket en route to International Space Station for resupply mission

SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday, completing a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-captures-unprecedented-images-of-supersonic-shockwaves-201954">NASA demonstration mission</a> that paves the way for the resumption of manned space flights from the US.

After hours of suspense, the Dragon spacecraft touched down at 8:45 am (1345 GMT) some 230 miles (370 kilometres) off the coast of the US state of Florida.

The seven-seat capsule brought its "crew" of one test dummy back to Earth in the same way that American astronauts returned to the planet in the Apollo era in the 1960s and 1970s, before the 1981-2011 Space Shuttle Program.

NASA TV footage showed the capsule drifting down into the ocean, its descent slowed by its four main orange and white parachutes, which gently folded into the water around it as boats sped toward the site.

Pending the analysis of flight data, everything indicated that SpaceX -- founded in 2002 by Elon Musk -- had passed its test from beginning to end, a result that drew widespread praise.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine hailed the splashdown, saying it "marked another milestone in a new era of human spaceflight."

The head of the Russian space agency Roskosmos sent his congratulations via Twitter to his "dear colleagues Jim Bridenstine and Elon Musk!"

And former president Barack Obama noted that it was his government that launched the commercialization of astronaut space transport. "We invested in the @Commercial_Crew program to strengthen the U.S. space program for the long haul, and it's great to see that happening," he tweeted.

Launched on March 2 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dragon docked at ISS the following day before successfully undocking Friday some 250 miles over Sudan.

The re-entry into Earth's atmosphere tested the vehicle's heat shield for the first time, and Musk had previously said that the phase was "probably my biggest concern."

Even though the capsule came back to Earth looking like a "toasted marshmallow" -- in the words of SpaceX engineer Kate Tice -- the heat shield held.

Preparation for crewed mission

While Dragon's crew member was a dummy named Ripley this time, the mission sets the stage for a manned flight, which will see two US astronauts book a return trip to the ISS.

In June, the capsule's in-flight abort system will be put to the test: the rocket will take off without human passengers, after which the capsule will eject using its own engines and return safely in a simulation of an incident.

"I don't think we saw really anything in the mission, so far -- and we've got to do the data reviews -- that would preclude us having the crewed mission later this year," Steve Stich, deputy program manager at NASA, said on Friday.

Separately, Boeing is scheduled to carry out an unmanned demo mission in April of its Starliner capsule.

Both systems must give NASA two independent means -- and at a lower cost than that of the Space Shuttle Program -- to access the ISS by 2020.

The SpaceX mission represents the first private venture to the ISS, as well as the first time a space vessel capable of carrying people was launched by the US in eight years.

Dragon also marks a return to a "vintage" format: it is the first US capsule since the pioneering Apollo program.&nbsp;

Capsules have no wings and fall to Earth, their descent slowed only by parachutes -- much like the Russian Soyuz craft, which lands in the steppes of Kazakhstan.

The last generation of US spacecraft, the space shuttles, landed like aeroplanes. Shuttles took American astronauts to space from 1981 to 2011, but their cost proved prohibitive, while two of the original four craft had catastrophic accidents, killing 14 crew members. Until SpaceX and Boeing are certified by NASA, Russia will continue to be the only country taking humans to the ISS. NASA buys seats for its astronauts, who train with their Russian cosmonaut counterparts.

SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday, completing a NASA demonstration mission that paves the way for the resumption of manned space flights from the US.

SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday, completing a NASA demonstration mission that paves the way for the resumption of manned space flights from the US. After hours of suspense, the Dragon spacecraft touched down at 8:45 am (1345 GMT) some 230 miles (370 kilometres) off the coast of the US state of Florida. The seven-seat capsule brought its "crew" of one test dummy back to Earth in the same way that American astronauts returned to the planet in the Apollo era in the 1960s and 1970s, before the 1981-2011 Space Shuttle Program. NASA TV footage showed the capsule drifting down into the ocean, its descent slowed by its four main orange and white parachutes, which gently folded into the water around it as boats sped toward the site. Pending the analysis of flight data, everything indicated that SpaceX -- founded in 2002 by Elon Musk -- had passed its test from beginning to end, a result that drew widespread praise. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine hailed the splashdown, saying it "marked another milestone in a new era of human spaceflight." The head of the Russian space agency Roskosmos sent his congratulations via Twitter to his "dear colleagues Jim Bridenstine and Elon Musk!" And former president Barack Obama noted that it was his government that launched the commercialization of astronaut space transport. "We invested in the @Commercial_Crew program to strengthen the U.S. space program for the long haul, and it's great to see that happening," he tweeted. Launched on March 2 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dragon docked at ISS the following day before successfully undocking Friday some 250 miles over Sudan. The re-entry into Earth's atmosphere tested the vehicle's heat shield for the first time, and Musk had previously said that the phase was "probably my biggest concern." Even though the capsule came back to Earth looking like a "toasted marshmallow" -- in the words of SpaceX engineer Kate Tice -- the heat shield held. Preparation for crewed mission While Dragon's crew member was a dummy named Ripley this time, the mission sets the stage for a manned flight, which will see two US astronauts book a return trip to the ISS. In June, the capsule's in-flight abort system will be put to the test: the rocket will take off without human passengers, after which the capsule will eject using its own engines and return safely in a simulation of an incident. "I don't think we saw really anything in the mission, so far -- and we've got to do the data reviews -- that would preclude us having the crewed mission later this year," Steve Stich, deputy program manager at NASA, said on Friday. Separately, Boeing is scheduled to carry out an unmanned demo mission in April of its Starliner capsule. Both systems must give NASA two independent means -- and at a lower cost than that of the Space Shuttle Program -- to access the ISS by 2020. The SpaceX mission represents the first private venture to the ISS, as well as the first time a space vessel capable of carrying people was launched by the US in eight years. Dragon also marks a return to a "vintage" format: it is the first US capsule since the pioneering Apollo program. Capsules have no wings and fall to Earth, their descent slowed only by parachutes -- much like the Russian Soyuz craft, which lands in the steppes of Kazakhstan. The last generation of US spacecraft, the space shuttles, landed like aeroplanes. Shuttles took American astronauts to space from 1981 to 2011, but their cost proved prohibitive, while two of the original four craft had catastrophic accidents, killing 14 crew members. Until SpaceX and Boeing are certified by NASA, Russia will continue to be the only country taking humans to the ISS. NASA buys seats for its astronauts, who train with their Russian cosmonaut counterparts.

SpaceX capsule back on Earth, paving way for new manned US flights