Credit: NASA TV
SpaceX's Dragon robotic, unmanned, capsule departed the International Space Station today, putting it on a path back to Earth after about one month attached to the orbiting outpost.
The robotic spacecraft is loaded down with more than 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kg) worth of science samples and supplies which should be safely delivered to Earth once the SpaceX capsule splashes down in the Pacific Ocean later today (May 18).
Splashdown is expected to occur at about 3:02 p.m. EDT (1902 GMT) off the coast of Baja California where officials can recover the supply craft.
Credit: NASA TV
Ground controllers maneuvered the space station's robotic arm to pluck Dragon from the Harmony module and move it into position for release.
The spacecraft was let go from the station at 9:26 a.m. EDT (1326 GMT) as both flew 266 miles (428 kilometers) above the ocean south of Australia, according to NASA.
SpaceX's Dragon also performed a series of thruster burns to move a safe distance from the station before it is expected to execute its deorbit burn at about 2:12 p.m. EDT (1812 GMT).
Dragon has been attached to the space station since April 20, after its launch atop the private spaceflight company's Falcon 9 rocket on April 18 from Florida.
SpaceX successfully performed a daring reusable rocket test during the April 18 launch.
The spaceflight company brought the boost stage of the Falcon 9 rocket back to Earth, landing it upright in the ocean, after delivering Dragon to the proper orbit.
Credit: NASA TV
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