After a successful launch into orbit on Saturday, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley docked the SpaceX Dragon capsule at the International Space station on Sunday morning. They are the the first to do so on a commercial spacecraft.
The historic trip to ISS took about 19 hours from launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX also successfully returned the Falcon 9 first stage booster to a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
While some small amount of flying was necessary by the astronauts, most of the docking is automated. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon leverages a series of sensors and cameras to guide the vehicle into the docking port.
“It has been a real honor to be a part of this 9 year endeavor,” Behnken said when docking was complete.
He also sent out thanks to everyone who helped make the mission a success, as well as all those who continue to support space programs.
“Bob and Doug, glad to have you as part of the crew. Welcome!” a member of the ISS crew said to the astronauts when they arrived.
The Demo 2 mission was a six-year, multibillion-dollar effort by NASA to end its reliance on Russia for carrying astronauts to and from the space station. SpaceX and Boeing were contracted as the first commercial carriers.