A few hours ago, the SpaceX Dragon 2 spacecraft blasted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in its CRS-30 (Cargo Resupply Service 30) mission, also referred to as SPX-30. After almost exactly 12 minutes it separated successfully from the rocket’s last stage and went en route. This is the 30th mission for the Dragon/Dragon 2 spacecraft to resupply the International Space Station with various cargoes and then return to Earth, again with various cargoes.
The Dragon 2 spacecraft’s cargo is more than 2,800 kg (more than 6,200 lbs) between the pressurized and the non-pressurized section. There are about 545 kg (about 1,200 lbs) of food and other supplies for the International Space Station crew but most of the cargo consists of instruments, hardware, and various other materials needed for science experiments and research conducted aboard the Station.
The C4 Photosynthesis in Space (APEX-09) experiment aims to examine how microgravity affects the mechanisms used by two types of grass, known as C3 and C4, to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The results will be useful both for growing plants in space and in developing life support systems for astronauts.
The technique called Global Navigation Satellite System reflectometry (GNSS-R) receives signals from satellites reflected from the Earth’s surface. Killick-1: A GNSS Reflectometry CubeSat for Measuring Sea Ice Thickness and Extent (Nanoracks KILLICK-1) is a nanosatellite that will be used to test this technique to measure sea ice.
The Multi-resolution Scanner (MRS) Payload for Astrobee (Multi-Resolution Scanning) aims to test a technology to automate 3D sensing, mapping, and situational awareness systems. In practice, it’s a robot that will create 3D maps inside the International Space Station. The ultimate goal is to create robotic systems capable of automatically managing situations in dangerous environments even on Earth.
This Dragon 2 cargo spacecraft is on its fourth mission. Its arrival at the station is scheduled for tomorrow: around 11.30 AM UTC it will dock to the Station with an automated manoeuvre.
