An important shipment has finally arrived at the International Space Station, after a series of errors, delays and challenges. <\/p>\n
The SpaceX capsule smoothly arrived at the station the second time around as astronauts grabbed hold of the cargo ship, as the two of them floated somewhere over Australia. <\/p>\n
The capsule had been scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. But a GPS error stopped it from getting too close and the move had to be aborted. <\/p>\n
The Dragon - loaded with 5,500lbs of supplies - lifted off on Sunday from Nasa's historic moon pad at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. <\/p>\n
Now leased by SpaceX, the pad had been idle since the close of the shuttle programme almost six years ago. <\/p>\n
The station's six crew members will accept another shipment on Friday, this one from the Russians. <\/p>\n
Given the Dragon's delayed arrival - lift-off also occurred a day late - the astronauts were under orders to open the capsule as soon as possible to retrieve sensitive science experiments. <\/p>\n
\"Sorry about the delays,\" Mission Control said. \"Now the real work starts.\" <\/p>\n
\"Congratulations Dragon on a successful journey from Earth and now welcome on board,\" said French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who used the station's big robot arm to grab the capsule. <\/p>\n
At the top of the crew's unloading list: 20 mice that are part of a wound-healing experiment. Another 20 mice are taking part in the study on the ground, as control subjects. <\/p>\n
Other newly arrived research: highly infectious MRSA bacteria, triple-contained so it does not get loose; stem cells; and instruments for studying lightning and the Earth's ozone layer. <\/p>\n
Drone captures SpaceX rocket landing in Florida <\/p>\n
The Dragon will remain at the space station for a month before it is cut loose to bring back science samples and other items. <\/p>\n
It is the only supply ship capable of returning intact to Earth, as all the others burn up during re-entry. <\/p>\n
SpaceX is one of two private companies flying up supplies for Nasa. <\/p>\n
Besides the French astronaut, the space station is home to two Americans and three Russians. <\/p>\n
Additional reporting by Press Association <\/p>\n
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SpaceX Dragon capsule finally arrives at the International Space Station after errors and delays - The Independent<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" An important shipment has finally arrived at the International Space Station, after a series of errors, delays and challenges. Continue reading