Early this morning, SpaceX's supply-hauling Dragon capsule was successfully captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station, in the first-ever commercial cargo delivery to the manned space outpost.
With 11 resupply missions remaining in the SpaceX/NASA contract, it seems the private company's billion-dollar delivery deal with The Agency is off to a good start.
"Looks like we've tamed the Dragon," said station commander Sunita Williams, as the capsule was captured by astronaut Akihiko Hoshide at 6:56 a.m. EDT. When ISS astronaut Don Pettit successfully captured the Dragon capsule during its first test flight in May, he said "We've got us a dragon by the tail!" Can we expect similar dragon-themed puns for the remainder of SpaceX's resupply missions? We certainly hope so.
"We're happy she's [Dragon's] onboard with us," said Williams. "Thanks to everyone at SpaceX and NASA for bringing her to us … and the ice cream."
Here's to 11 more successful deliveries. Let's just hope SpaceX can sort out that pesky "anomaly" with the Falcon 9's rocket engines.