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NASA, SpaceX approve test flight next week of crew capsule

NASA, SpaceX approve test flight next week of crew capsule | iNFOnews.ca
This undated photo made available by SpaceX on Feb 6, 2019 shows the Dragon crew capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket at the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida where the Saturn Vs and space shuttles were launched. On Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, NASA and SpaceX announced the approval of an unmanned test flight for the new commercial capsule. (SpaceX via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA and SpaceX have approved a test flight next week of the new commercial Dragon capsule designed for crew.

No one will be aboard. But the capsule will still fly to the International Space Station, following its planned March 2 liftoff from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Officials gave the green light Friday after conducting a safety review.

Space X has been making space station shipments since 2012. The private company had to overhaul its cargo capsule for astronauts. If the upcoming demo goes well, two NASA astronauts could strap in for the next test flight this summer.

It would be the first launch of U.S. astronauts from U.S. soil in eight years.

Boeing is also in the commercial race to transport space station astronauts. Its first Starliner demo is in April.

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