Space

When the SpaceX Dragon module passes all of its demonstration tests, The Canadarm2 (Space Station arm) will grapple the capsule and dock it to the Station. An animation from the Canadian Space Agency shows how it will be done.

The phrase, "Here, there be dragons"used to designate the boundaries of the known world on historical maps seems fitting as the US space program embarks upon a new frontier in space exploration with the launch of the first commercial demonstration flight to the International Space Station. However, rarely were the monsters of yore as eagerly anticipated as SpaceX's Dragon, the first privately built cargo ship destined for the orbiting outpost.

Dragon represents a new era and a new NASA approach to space transportation systems. Since the retirement of the space shuttle, NASA has turned to the private sector to develop and operate safe, reliable and affordable commercial space transportation systems. Launched on May 22, 2012, from the Kennedy Space Center, the goal of Dragon's planned 21-day mission will be to test the unpiloted capsule's ability to rendezvous with the space station.

Shortly after launch, Dragon will undergo a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems in advance of its docking with the station. It will approach from the Earth-facing (nadir) side, then hover at a distance of 2.5 kilometres so that its sensors and flight systems can be examined to ensure that it is safe to proceed. The spacecraft also will demonstrate its capability to abort the rendezvous.

When Dragon passes all of its demonstration tests, The Canadarm2 (Space Station arm) will grapple the capsule and dock it to the Station. This animation shows you how it will be done.





At the end of its mission, Canadarm2 will undock and release Dragon for its return to Earth, where it will then be retrieved and reused.




SOURCE  Canadian Space Agency

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