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SpaceX launching first commercial flight to International Space Station on May 7th

SpaceX launching first commercial flight to International Space Station on May 7th

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SpaceX has confirmed that its Dragon spacecraft will launch on May 7th at 9.38 AM in what will be the first ever commercial mission to the International Space Station.

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After a series of delays, SpaceX has confirmed the date of its inaugural test flight — May 7th is the day when the International Space Station will accept its first commercial visitor. NASA has approved the company's Dragon spacecraft for a launch at 9.38 AM ET, with the crew onboard the ISS using a robotic arm to help it dock. Dragon will carry 1,149 pounds (521 kilograms) of cargo to the space station and return to Earth with 1,455 pounds (660 kilograms) in a test of the craft's planned ability to provide the ISS with supplies in future. The capsule was already the first private spacecraft to be sent into orbit and back, but a successful docking would be a major demonstration of the viability of commercial space travel.