On May 22, 2012, SpaceX successfully launched the first commercial (non government) spacecraft into space. SpaceX’s launch vehicle, Falcon 9 carried the spacecraft, Dragon, into the atmosphere. After reaching space Dragon approached the International Space Station (ISS). Upon arriving, the station’s robotic arm moved Dragon into place to attach to the station. The spacecraft returned to Earth on May 31 splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, 450 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. This difficult feat was a success, making Dragon the first commercial spacecraft to visit and berth to the ISS.

I know you are wondering, why is this such an accomplishment? For starters, any  space travel you’d be driving for hours trying to find your vacation destination, asking your parents the same old question, “Are we there yet?” Secondly, only four governments have made it to the ISS. If a business makes it to space before other governments, that has to be HUGE. I am impressed with the SpaceX mission and am proud to say that I was alive when this feat in history was made.

~Arman Cabral