Dragon Cargo Spacecraft Departs the ISS on This Week @NASA – August 26, 2016

TL;DR

SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft leaves the ISS after delivering supplies, while astronaut Jeff Williams sets a new record for days in space. NASA also previews upcoming spacewalk and conducts tests on Boeing's CST-100 Starliner and liquid hydrogen tank for the SLS rocket.

Transcript

“Here’s some of the stories trending This Week at NASA!” The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft left the International Space Station on August 26 … “And we have release confirmed.” The Dragon departed the station five weeks after delivering almost 5,000 pounds of supplies, experiments and equipment to the orbital complex – including an international do... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚚 SpaceX's Dragon cargo spacecraft successfully completed its mission of delivering supplies and equipment to the ISS.
• 👨‍🚀 Jeff Williams' new record for the most cumulative days in space highlights the dedication of American astronauts in space exploration.
• ❓ NASA's continued focus on spacewalks demonstrates the importance of regular maintenance and upgrades outside the ISS.
• 🎟️ Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft undergoes rigorous testing to ensure safe landings and prepare for future missions.
• 💋 The completion of the liquid hydrogen tank at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility marks progress in the development of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
• 🏞️ NASA's Earth Observatory website showcased stunning images of national parks to celebrate the National Park Service's 100th anniversary.
• 😥 The vantage point of space provides NASA with valuable insights into Earth, aiding in the understanding and protection of our planet.

Questions & Answers

Q: What did the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft deliver to the ISS?

The Dragon delivered almost 5,000 pounds of supplies, experiments, and equipment, including an international docking adapter for future American commercial crew spacecraft.

Q: How did the Dragon spacecraft return to Earth?

The station's Canadarm2 robotic arm was used to grapple the Dragon, move it away from the ISS, and release it for its return trip to Earth.

Q: Which astronaut broke the record for the most cumulative days in space by an American?

NASA astronaut Jeff Williams set the new record, surpassing former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly's mark of 520 days in orbit.

Q: What tasks will be performed during the upcoming spacewalk?

NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Jeff Williams will retract a thermal radiator, tighten struts on a solar array joint, and install enhanced high-definition television cameras to monitor activities outside the ISS.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft departs from the ISS after delivering supplies and equipment, including an international docking adapter.

• NASA astronaut Jeff Williams breaks the record for the most cumulative days in space by an American.

• NASA previews an upcoming spacewalk to perform maintenance tasks outside the ISS.

• Boeing conducts tests on its CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, while the liquid hydrogen tank for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket completes final welding.