NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2012-027A
Dragon C2/C3 was launched from Cape Canaveral on 22 May 2012 at 07:44 by a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft is the first fully functional Dragon spacecraft on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) C2+ Demonstration Mission for NASA. Dragon C2/C3 is carrying 544 kg of supplies including food, crew provisions, student-developed experiments, and computer equipment. The objectives of the mission are to demonstrate its ability to remain in orbit for several weeks, test its maneuvering and navigation systems, and perform a rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS). After successfully completing a detailed series of navigation and other systems test, Dragon C2/C3 will approach within ten meters of the ISS before being grappled by the station’s Canadarm2 remote manipulator system, the robotic arm, and connect to the nadir port of the station’s Harmony module. The craft will remain connected to the station for about three weeks, allowing astronauts to empty it before loading used scientific equipment inside for the return to Earth. Reversing the process of connecting the spacecraft to the station, astronauts will use the robotic arm to remove the Dragon capsule. The Dragon will then de-orbit and return to Earth under parachutes, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast.
Launch Date: 2012-05-22
Launch Vehicle: Falcon 9
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office