We Support Space Exploration

SpaceX Launch Time

On May 19th at SpaceX is set to blast into space. Well, at least their Dragon spacecraft is ready to be catapulted into the great unknown atop a Falcon 9. It’s history in the making, the first time a private company will launch a spacecraft to the International Space Station. SpaceX has been hired by NASA to continue their space bidding; it’s a launch for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) set for May 19th, 2012 at 4:55 AM ET.

The Dragon capsule must demonstrate its capabilities before it can be cleared to dock with the International Space Station, this includes a “flyby” about 1.5 miles away. The capsule, poised to carry cargo and astronauts, will be making this historical flight unmanned. The 1,200 pounds of cargo aboard the Dragon contains meals and student experiments among other non-critical items. The six astronauts living on the international orbital laboratory are awaiting their visitor. Using a robotic arm they will essentially grab the Dragon from thin…uh space as it passes by.

So why is the occasion so important for Allied? For one, its exciting to see the space program continue on in the hands of the best and brightest people. Secondly, this is actually the latest of many projects Allied has worked on for NASA and now SpaceX. Both are Allied Steel Building clients and we couldn’t be prouder to call them our customers.

To read more about this awesome endeavor or watch the launch live, visit www.spacex.com or www.nasa.gov/tv.

SpaceX Steel Building Under Construction

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