| Published on May 22, 2012 by CBS For the first time, a private business is sending a spaceship to the International Space Station. The SpaceX rocket lifted off on an unmanned space mission. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports. NASA STATEMENT ON SPACEX: "During a press briefing at The Kennedy Space Center on May 22, SpaceX and NASA officials discussed the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule on a demonstration flight to the International Space Station. Falcon 9 and Dragon lifted off Tuesday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 3:44 am EDT. On Thursday, May 24, Dragon will perform a flyby of the space station at a distance of approximately 1.5 miles to validate the operation of sensors and flight systems necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach. Following analysis of the flyby by NASA and SpaceX managers, the Dragon capsule will be cleared to rendezvous and berth with the space station on Friday, May 25, marking the first time a commercial company has attempted this feat." Watch others video of SpaceX www.youtube.com -SpaceX-NASATelevison www.youtube.com -SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon Capsule Launch - 22nd May 2012 www.youtube.com -NASA www.youtube.com -NASA/SpaceX Hold NASA Social for Falcon 9 Launch |