C2, C3 Missions Combined In Attempt To Accelerate Cargo Transport Capability To ISS

After the successful launch of the first SpaceX cargo demonstration flight (C1) in December 2010, SpaceX approached NASA with a plan to accelerate its cargo transportation capability by attempting to achieve the third cargo demonstration flight (C3) mission objectives on the second demonstration (C2) flight. C2 mission objectives include demonstrating ISS/Dragon communications and flight navigation, control, and contingency operations near ISS.

C3 mission objectives include demonstrating ISS proximity operations, berthing with the ISS, cargo transfer, and return to Earth. Operationally, the plan would be for SpaceX to successfully complete all the C2 mission objectives and then be given approval to rendezvous and berth with the ISS during the same flight.

According to Alan Lindenmoyer, Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Manager, "Combining C2 and C3 could accelerate cargo services to station by about two months." NASA will not relax or eliminate any technical or safety requirements; rather, the combination will allow SpaceX the opportunity to meet all the C2 and C3 milestone objectives in a single flight.

At this point, NASA has not identified anything that would preclude combining the C2 and C3 mission objectives and is proceeding with mission planning. However, SpaceX wants to deploy two commercial satellites (Orbcomm) from the F9 second stage. The addition of Orbcomm's payloads to the combined mission is under review. If the risks associated with the secondary payloads are determined to be acceptable, NASA will give formal approval to the combined mission execution.

Artist's Concept

The C2 Falcon 9 launch vehicle is currently at Pad 40, Cape Canaveral, and is undergoing final preparation for the mission. The integrated Dragon spacecraft is preparing for electromagnetic compatibility and thermal vacuum testing to verify the spacecraft's compatibility with ISS environments. The Dragon spacecraft is planned to be shipped from SpaceX's Hawthorne facility to Cape Canaveral in September.

FMI: www.spacex.com