The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the nonprofit organization managing research on the International Space Station (ISS) US National Laboratory, congratulated SpaceX on the successful berthing of the Dragon capsule to the ISS on May 25.
The success marks a significant milestone in bringing ISS cargo delivery and return capabilities back to the US. Currently, US cargo is delivered to the ISS via Russian, European and Japanese launch vehicles.
Unlike other vehicles, Dragon offers not just the ability to make ISS deliveries but also to safely return significant amounts of cargo to Earth – a key to maximizing research on the ISS, which is CASIS’ ultimate goal. Once NASA has formally approved Dragon to make regular resupply flights to the ISS, CASIS will work with the company to ferry cutting edge research payloads to and from the National Lab.
A major component of the next-generation US Space Program will include the groundbreaking research that will take place on board the ISS, an unparalleled scientific platform with unique environments that when harnessed in research can enable the development of new products and technologies to benefit life on Earth.
“We saw history made today with the successful arrival of Dragon on Station,” said CASIS Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “We look forward to working with SpaceX to deliver research scientific payloads to the ISS National Lab to further US-based R&D opportunities.”
