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

TL;DR

SpaceX’s Dragon cargo spacecraft left the International Space Station on August 26, five weeks after delivering almost 5,000 pounds of supplies, experiments, and equipment. Canadarm2 released the capsule with about 3,000 pounds of returning cargo, while NASA also reported Jeff Williams’ spaceflight record, upcoming station maintenance, and tests supporting Starliner and the Space Launch System. Read on for the mission details.

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?

Dragon delivered almost 5,000 pounds of supplies, experiments, and equipment to the International Space Station. Its cargo included an international docking adapter for future American commercial crew spacecraft transporting astronauts to the station.

Q: How did the Dragon cargo spacecraft depart the ISS?

The station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm grappled Dragon, moved it away from the ISS, and released it for its return to Earth. The capsule departed on August 26, five weeks after making its delivery.

Q: What cargo did Dragon return to Earth?

Dragon returned with about 3,000 pounds of cargo and experiments. These materials were intended for researchers and investigators.

Q: What spaceflight record did Jeff Williams set?

NASA astronaut and ISS Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams set a record for the most cumulative days in space by an American. On August 24, he passed former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly’s mark of 520 days in orbit.

Q: What work were Kate Rubins and Jeff Williams scheduled to perform during the September 1 spacewalk?

They were scheduled to retract a thermal radiator, tighten struts on a solar array joint, and install an enhanced high-definition television camera. The work was planned for the port side of the station’s truss system.

Q: What did Williams and Rubins accomplish during their August 19 spacewalk?

Williams and Rubins installed the first of the station’s two international docking adapters. The spacewalk lasted five hours and 58 minutes.

Q: Why was Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner mock-up dropped from about 30 feet?

Boeing used the drop at Langley Research Center’s Landing and Impact Research Facility to help qualify Starliner for ground landings. The tests simulated conditions that the spacecraft and its crew might experience when touching down on land.

Q: Why was the Space Launch System liquid hydrogen tank test article fitted with sensors?

The sensors were intended to record data during future structural loads testing at Marshall Space Flight Center. Those tests were designed to ensure that the tank could withstand the stresses of a launch.

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.