SpaceX’s upgraded Dragon capsule heads for International Space Station bearing Christmas gifts
- Along with research samples and equipment, the shipment also includes presents for astronauts, including a roasted turkey, cranberry sauce and cookies
- This is the first time SpaceX has had two capsules in orbit at the same time
SpaceX launched a newer, bigger version of its Dragon supply ship to the International Space Station on Sunday, marking the first time the company has two capsules in orbit at the same time.
The Dragon – packed with Christmas treats and presents – should reach the space station on Monday, joining the Dragon that delivered four astronauts last month.
“Dragons everywhere you look,” said Kenny Todd, Nasa’s deputy space station programme manager.
With Nasa’s commercial crew programme officially under way, SpaceX expects to always have at least one Dragon capsule at the space station.
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SpaceX capsule with 4 astronauts reaches International Space Station
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket blasted off with the latest Dragon from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Centre, where coronavirus precautions kept staff to a minimum. The first-stage booster – making its fourth flight – landed on an ocean platform several minutes after the late-morning lift-off.