SpaceX Launches Cargo Capsule to Space Station, Lands Rocket

At the Ready” readability=”32.5″>

At the Ready

At the Ready

Credit: Kim Shiflett/NASA

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stands at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, waiting to carry a Dragon resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) on Aug. 14, 2017.

Everything in Place” readability=”32.5″>

Everything in Place

Everything in Place

Credit: Kim Shiflett/NASA

Dragon was loaded up with over 6,400 pounds of supplies for this, its 12th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station.

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Liftoff!

Liftoff!

Credit: NASA

The Falcon 9 soars into the sky from Pad 39A on Aug. 14, 2017.

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Ascending

Ascending

Credit: NASA

The Falcon 9’s first-stage engines power the rocket and Dragon into the Florida sky.

Stage Separation” readability=”31.5″>

Stage Separation

Stage Separation

Credit: NASA

The Falcon 9’s first and second stages separate, about 2.5 minutes into flight.

Second-Stage Engine Fires Up” readability=”31″>

Second-Stage Engine Fires Up

Second-Stage Engine Fires Up

Credit: NASA

The engine on the Falcon 9’s second stage pushes Dragon toward the space station.

Back to Earth” readability=”31″>

Back to Earth

Back to Earth

Credit: NASA

The first stage heads back down.

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Falling Fast

Falling Fast

Credit: NASA

The Falcon 9 first stage streaks downward through Earth’s atmosphere.

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Touchdown!

Touchdown!

Credit: NASA

The Falcon 9’s first stage settles down at Landing Zone 1, at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Dragon Deploys” readability=”31″>

Dragon Deploys

Dragon Deploys

Credit: NASA

Dragon deploys from the Falcon 9’s second stage.

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