SpaceX Dragon returns to Earth from space station today

New Delhi: SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft is all set to leave the International Space Station (ISS) and return to earth on Wednesday.

As Dragon departs the orbital laboratory with valuable science research today, May 11, NASA Television will provide live coverage of the spacecraft's departure beginning at 9 a.m. EDT (6:30 p.m. India time).

The spaceship arrived at the space station on April 10 delivering almost 7,000 pounds of cargo to the astronauts, including the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM).

As Dragon capsule detaches from the Earth-facing side of the station's Harmony module using the Canadarm2 robotic arm, operated by ground controllers, Robotics controllers will maneuver spacecraft into place, writes NASA in a blog post.

Expedition 47 robotic arm operator Tim Peake of ESA (European Space Agency) will execute the command for its 9:18 a.m. Release.

It's another big day for SpaceX as the Dragon will splash down under parachutes in the Pacific Ocean about 2:55 p.m.

A recovery team will retrieve the capsule, loaded with more than 3,700 pounds of return cargo, including samples from ongoing space station research.

(Source: NASA)