Many scientists running experiments related to space and space travel have been anxiously awaiting the return of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft from the International Space Station. However, the wait is over since the spacecraft has successfully splashed down in the Pacific bringing with it over 3,500 pounds of valuable scientific cargo.
This May 18, the Dragon spacecraft safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean in a location around 300 miles west of Baja, Calif. The spacecraft hit water at approximately 3:05 p.m. EDT in the afternoon. The Dragon brought back a treasure trove of scientific cargo running the gamut of scientific research. From biological samples to experimental physics results, the Dragon's cargo is expected to keep scientists busy for a while.
"The space station is our springboard to deep space and the science samples returned to Earth are critical to improving our knowledge of how space affects humans who live and work there for long durations," said NASA associate administrator for human explorations and operations William Gerstenmaier. "Now that Dragon has returned, scientists can complete their analyses, so we can see how results may impact future human space exploration or provide direct benefits to people on Earth."
One of the experimental samples in the Dragon's payload involves the effect of antibiotics during space travel. Scientists will be able to use the results of this experiment to improve the efficacy of antibiotics here on Earth.
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