Bishop to Node 3

[Ron Schmit]

Commercial Resupply Services mission (CRS-21) launched on a Falcon 9, this morning. It will autonomously dock to the ISS on Monday, 12/7. That will make SIX spacecraft currently docked at the ISS:
1. Progress Russian Cargo
2. Progress Russian Cargo
3. Soyuz
4. Cygnus Cargo Ship
5. Crew Dragon
6. Cargo Dragon

After 20 years, the ISS is finally hitting its stride.

This is the first flight of the updated cargo version of Dragon (modeled on the Crew Dragon.) It's capable of carrying about 20 percent more volume than the previous version and has double the amount of powered locker cargo capability.

In the Dragon's trunk is the Bishop Airlock (https://nanoracks.com/bishop-airlock/) It's a container for micro satellites to allow for greater flexibility, built by the Nanoracks folks down in Houston. Got to visit them two years ago; great people with some GREAT ideas. Here's a video of the berthing operation: https://youtu.be/d6lBmmxScsI The current experiment airlock on the Kibo platform has quite a log jam of activity. This will provide a new option to commercial customers.

[Ron Schmit]

LIVE coverage of Cargo Dragon docking at the ISS (currently 12:00 noon CST):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21X5lGlDOfg

Fantastic shot approaching station!

Cargo Dragon on Approach.png

[Deane Clark]

I’ve been watching it on and off for two hours. Still in a hold at 20 meters right now. They sure take their time!