Falcon 9 flew on two previous missions in 2010, with the second of them taking Dragon into orbit for the first time. When the capsule links up with the station this week, it will become the first non-governmental vehicle to do so.

"Every launch into space is a thrilling event, but this one is especially exciting because it represents the potential of a new era in American spaceflight," White House science advisor John Holdren said in a statement. "Partnering with U.S. companies such as SpaceX to provide cargo and eventually crew service to the International Space Station is a cornerstone of the President’s plan for maintaining America’s leadership in space."

You can follow SPACE.com assistant managing editor Clara Moskowitz on Twitter @ClaraMoskowitz. Follow SPACE.com for the latest in space science and exploration news on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.

• Lift-Off! SpaceX Dragon Heads to Space Station | Video
• SpaceX to Space Station: Complete Coverage
• Gallery: SpaceX's 1st Mission to Space Station - How It Works

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2 Comments

1. 1. newpapyrus 03:05 PM 5/22/12

   Developing private commercial launch capability for private commercial purposes is a good thing! But using the ISS as a $3 billion a year government make-work program for private launch companies won't save the tax payers anything. NASA can't focus all of its resources for beyond LEO missions until it is no longer committed to paying $3 billion a year for the LEO on steroids ISS program.
   
   Marcel F. Williams

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2. 2. Quinn the Eskimo 11:56 PM 5/27/12

   This just proves that NASA, now retired, can't go anywhere. No mission. No crews. No staff. Close NASA now! While there's still time.

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