A little while ago, SpaceX’s Dragon 2 spacecraft docked with the International Space Station’s Harmony module. Astronauts Raja Chari and Thomas Marshburn monitored the operation, but the cargo spacecraft, which blasted off yesterday, completed the maneuvers automatically without any problem.

The Dragon spacecraft’s approach to the International Space Station follows a procedure that has become routine but remains long and delicate. The Station’s safety is the top priority so every little step of the Dragon gets checked. Only if all goes well in the spacecraft’s position and velocity they proceed with the next step and in case of any problems can be aborted at every step. The Dragon 2 carries out all the maneuvers automatically up to the docking and the procedure can be interrupted until the last moment.

The CRS-24 mission will end in about a month with the return to Earth. NASA provided indications on the possibility of doubling the duration of this mission because the Dragon 2 space freighter can stay in space much longer than the first version but for now, SpaceX’s resupply missions continue to last about a month. The Dragon continues to be the only space freighter capable of returning cargoes to Earth.

The CRS-23 mission already provided positive feedback regarding the possibility of reusing the new version of the Dragon space freighter. In SpaceX and NASA’s plans, each Dragon should be used up to 5 times. The third use of the same space freighter will be an important step and will set a new record for the company.

Between the cargo version and the crew transport version, in the course of 2021, SpaceX has successfully completed various missions with its Dragon spacecraft. Elon Musk’s company is providing its services regularly and better than the competition. Its space freighter accomplished more missions than Northrop Grumman and the Crew Dragon is the only American crewed spacecraft in operation. NASA has to rely on SpaceX but that’s simply because it’s the partner that is proving to be reliable while it continues to improve its services.