Dragon spacecraft back on Earth

1 Jun 2012, 6:29 pm   -   Source: AAP
The privately funded SpaceX vessel is the first to return such a load since shuttles for the US space agency, NASA, retired last year. (AAP)

The privately funded SpaceX vessel is the first to return such a load since shuttles for the US space agency, NASA, retired last year. (AAP)

The Dragon spacecraft, an unmanned cargo ship, has returned to Earth after resupplying the International Space Station.

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The history-making Dragon spacecraft is back on Earth.

The unmanned cargo ship parachuted into the Pacific on Thursday, six hours after leaving the International Space Station. The world's first commercial craft to resupply the space station brought back more than a half-tonne of old gear.

The privately funded SpaceX vessel is the first to return such a load since shuttles for the US space agency, NASA, retired last year.

SpaceX guided the Dragon's descent through the atmosphere and splashdown off the coast of Mexico. A fleet of boats was in position, ready to receive it.

It will take a few days to transport the capsule by barge to Los Angeles. From there, it will be trucked to the SpaceX rocket factory in Texas for unloading and inspection.

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