According to NASA, SpaceX, along with Boeing, which is also developing rockets, will be able to launch crews to low-Earth orbit, allowing the government agency to focus on deep space missions – with an eye on Mars.
The Dragon capsule was designed to self-dock at the ISS, but the two veteran astronauts were able to assume control if necessary.
After docking, Behnken and Hurley will be stationed on the ISS for a undetermined amount of time, depending on “readiness of the next commercial crew launch,” NASA said.
The Dragon capsule is capable of staying in orbit for at least 210 days, NASA said, and will autonomously undock with the astronauts on board when the mission is complete.
