Photos: SpaceX Set for Historic Launch to Space Station

Dragon Capsule Close to Berthing

SpaceX

This still image from an animated video shows SpaceX's Dragon capsule close to berthing at the International Space Station.

Dragon Capsule at International Space Station

SpaceX

A still from an animated video shows an artist's impression of SpaceX's Dragon capsule at the International Space Station.

Dragon Capsule in Orbit

SpaceX

This still image from an animated video shows SpaceX's Dragon capsule in orbit.

Dragon Spacecraft Mated to Falcon 9 Rocket

NASA

This week the Dragon spacecraft was mated to the Falcon 9 rocket in SpaceX’s hangar in Cape Canaveral, FL.

The Dragon Spacecraft Being Rotated

NASA

The Dragon spacecraft being rotated before it is mated to the Falcon 9 rocket in SpaceX’s hangar in Cape Canaveral, FL.

SpaceX’s Launch Control Center

SpaceX

SpaceX engineers prepare for the launch at SpaceX’s launch control center in Cape Canaveral, FL.

Workers Loading Cargo Aboard Dragon Capsule

SpaceX

SpaceX tweeted on April 21, 2012: "Earlier this month we worked with @NASA to load cargo into Dragon in advance of our upcoming demo flight."

SpaceX Falcon 9 at Launch Pad

SpaceX

A photo of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket during a March 1 launch readiness test at its Cape Canaveral launch pad.

SpaceX Falcon 9 at Launch Pad

SpaceX

A photo of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket during a March 1 launch readiness test at its Cape Canaveral launch pad.

Dragon's Approach to the ISS

NASA

This NASA illustration shows the Dragon spacecraft approaching the ISS. The mission is scheduled for May 2012.

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Space.com Staff
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Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor.