SpaceX Dragon time: When does SpaceX Dragon return? LIVE FEED

The only payload, a dummy nicknamed Ripley, is loaded with sensors to gather data on the forces humans can expect to experience in the craft.

But as a vital part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, SpaceX’s vehicle will eventually be tasked with ferrying NASA astronauts to the ISS in the years ahead.

Crew Dragon will of course have to bring them back to Earth safely afterward.

The Crew Dragon’s landing technique is similar to that of its predecessor, SpaceX’s Dragon cargo capsule, which has been ferrying supplies to and from the ISS since 2012.

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