Live updates

Spring storm brings rain and wind Tuesday into Wednesday

NASA chief views history-making SpaceX capsule

Share

Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket
The Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket stands ready for launch at complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, May 18, 2012. The launch, scheduled for early Saturday morning will mark for the first time, a private company will send its own rocket to the orbiting International Space Station, delivering food and ushering in a new era in America's space program.
AP Photo/John Raoux

By ANGELA K. BROWN
Associated Press

McGREGOR, Texas (AP) — Officials say the world's first commercial supply ship to visit the International Space Station weathered its maiden voyage well.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk discussed the flight as they viewed the Dragon spacecraft at a Texas rocket factory Wednesday.

Last month, the SpaceX Dragon delivered 1,000 pounds of provisions to the space station and returned with 1,400 pounds of old equipment.

The California-based SpaceX is the first private business to send a cargo ship to the space station.

Bolden said the capsule gets "beaten up" during re-entry, but is robust. The capsule appeared to be in good condition while on display at the factory in McGregor, about 130 miles southwest of Dallas.

SpaceX hopes to launch another capsule in September.

Gallery

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Providing Support for MPR.
Learn More
Program ScheduleStation Directory