Just over an hour after reaching orbit for mission SpaceX 2, SpaceX confirmed that all was progressing well for the Dragon spacecraft. “One thruster pod is running. Two are preferred to take the next step which is to deploy the solar arrays. We are working to bring up the other two pods in order to plan the next series of burns to get to station.”
After some initial issues with the thruster pods, by early this afternoon, SpaceX indicated that all four of Dragon’s thruster pods were operating perfectly. At least two thrusters would be needed for the rendezvous with the ISS.
With the thruster pods online and the solar arrays successfully deployed, SpaceX is on pace for the next rendezvous opportunity with the ISS early on Sunday. While they await the time to link up to re-supply the ISS astronauts, the company continues to perform system tests and orbital maneuvers.
Watch the complete video of the SpaceX 2 Falcon 9 Rocket Launch carrying the Dragon Spacecraft into orbit. The 4 minute launch video follows the spacecraft into orbit including booster separation. Watch the video below: