A little while ago SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft docked to the International Space Station’s Harmony module completing the first part of its SpX-DM2 (SpaceX Demonstration Mission 2), or SpaceX Demo-2, mission that began yesterday with its launch. After checking that the pressure is correctly balanced, the hatch will be opened to allow Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to enter the Station.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft is equipped with an automated docking system to the International Docking Adapter (IDA). The approach to the Station follows a procedure in which safety is the top priority, so every little step of the Crew Dragon is checked up. Only if all goes well in the spacecraft’s position and speed they can proceed with the next step and in case of problems it can be aborted at each step.

After reaching orbit, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken decided to name the spacecraft Endeavour, like the Space Shuttle retired almost exactly nine years ago on which both astronauts traveled. A series of tests of the Endeavour’s on-board systems to verify that they continue to function properly will be a part of their mission even after joining the Expedition 63 crew now on board the International Space Station. During their journey, they already carried out some tests using manual controls, present in case of problems with the automatic systems.

For NASA it’s a historic moment almost nine years after the end of the Space Shuttle program. After various problems that led to delays in the development of the new spacecraft, the USA again has a spacecraft capable of carrying astronauts into orbit. After years of Americans having to pay up to $90 million to send an astronaut on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, they are independent again.

The SpX-DM2 mission is considered a test, but Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken will remain at least 30 days on the International Space Station as part of Expedition 63 carrying out various scientific research. Their mission’s duration has not yet been determined and will depend in part on the results of the tests on the Crew Dragon Endeavour’s systems. Those results will help make a decision regarding the next Crew Dragon mission, designated as USCV-1 (US Crew Vehicle-1) or Crew-1, which aims to begin transporting astronauts within the normal Station crew rotation. It could start on August 30, 2020, but it’s a date that could be changed at any time.

The first part of the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft’s mission was accomplished, but the success of the return journey will be equally important. For Elon Musk’s company, this success is crucial while Boeing is still working on its Starliner’s development. The full success of the SpX-DM2 mission could also open the door to space tourism with billionaires ready to pay a lot of money to travel on the Crew Dragon.