SpaceX Dragon Cargo Successfully Brings Scientific Experiments And Ice Cream To Astronauts

Newly launched cargo dragon brings treasure trove of science investigations to the ISS, (Photo: Nasa.gov)

JAKARTA - SpaceX has successfully launched the supply ship Cargo Dragon on its way to the International Space Station (ISS). This cargo will deliver scientific experiments and supplies for the astronauts.

Dragon was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 3:14 p.m. ET yesterday, after a one-day delay from its original launch date due to inclement weather.

If nothing goes wrong, Dragon will dock at the ISS on Monday, 11 a.m. ET. With Dragon's return to the ISS, this marks SpaceX's 23rd supply mission.

What Does the Dragon Bring?

The newly launched cargo dragon brings a treasure trove of science investigations to the ISS, including a new robotic arm to be tested inside the station's airlock. The robotic arm will prove that it has what it takes to perform the routine tasks of an astronaut.

There are also various medical loads that will help benefit astronauts as well as people on Earth. One such payload, called the Nanofluidic Implant Communication Experiment (NICE), will test a new drug delivery device. Small implants can change the way people receive treatment and manage chronic disease.

The researchers say the implant will be implanted in the patient's arm and administer the medication at set intervals, allowing patients to live their lives. This type of device will be especially helpful for patients such as rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, and those who need to take medication at any time of the day.

Another experiment, called MISSE-15, will look at different materials and how they respond to the space environment. Samples of objects such as concrete, solar panels and more will be exposed to the harsh space environment to test potential materials for new spacecraft and more.

But that's not all. According to Joel Montalbano, ISS program manager for NASA, the crew will also receive some special treats of fresh food and even ice cream.

"We sent a lot of fruit. We had lemons, onions, some avocado, some cherry tomatoes, and also some ice cream. It was a huge success with our crew," said Montalbano, quoted by Space.

In total, there is more than 4,800 pounds (2,200 kg) of cargo that will help astronauts carry out various research experiments as well as help restock the station. The astronauts will be busy with the arrival and installation of new solar panels, a new Russian science module, and the cargo ship Northrop Grumman Cygnus.

"Working with SpaceX and working with our other commercial providers is just another amazing partnership we have built between NASA and the commercial industry. We are excited to launch this mission and bring this incredible science to the station," said Montalbano.

New Success for Elon Musk

This launch is an important event for SpaceX. The reason is, after the company's booster succeeded in pushing the rocket, they also returned to capture the booster perfectly. Boosters are only needed for the first part of the launch, providing fuel for the arduous climb through the atmosphere against gravity.

Once the rocket reaches a certain height, the booster is no longer needed and falls back to Earth. SpaceX has perfected how to capture these boosters after launch and reuse them, saving costs in the long run. The company recently debuted its newest droneship for the booster catcher, named A Shortfall of Gravitas, which made its first catch yesterday.