SpaceX Dragon capsule has returned to Earth on Wednesday, along with some valuable science from NASA cargo, including samples from the one-year space mission. Less than six hours following departure from the International Space Station, the spacecraft fell into the Pacific waters off the Southern California coast. The Dragon carrier was reported to have been supported by the three red and white-striped parachutes to slow down its final descent.
The SpaceX Dragon had stayed at the station for about a month to drop off supplies and an experimental, inflatable room that pops open in two weeks. The experimental room was set free by the big robot arm of the station. Also, there were almost 4,000 pounds of items that filled the Dragon, including the urine and blood samples of astronaut Scott Kelly from his one-year space mission and came back in March. Researchers are expected to use the medical specimens to analyze how the body survives the long journeys in space, as preparation for subsequent mission to Mars in the 2030s, Denver Post reported.
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