SpaceX, the private space transport company, is going to the space station. Having won a contract from NASA to resupply the space station, SpaceX is sending an unmanned Dragon spacecraft on its first mission to do so. In December of 2010, the Dragon was successfully launched into orbit and returned to earth. This time, if all goes well, it will dock with the space station and deliver food and equipment. In the near future, it could become a competitor to the Russian Soyuz capsule that now has a monopoly on ferrying astronauts to and from the space station. America might get back in space, thanks to a private firm. The SpaceX website is great fun for the space enthusiast.
http://www.spacex.com/
The Dragon is an impressive craft, designed to transport up to 7 astronauts. It also has integrated rockets that can bring it to a safe landing in case of emergency, an improvement over the Launch Escape System of Apollo. It is strange to see a return to capsules after decades of shuttle launches. However, the capsule is both cheaper and safer, which might provide for a more robust space program at much lower cost. Let us hope.
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