[Satellite Today – 2-14-08] Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has completed the preliminary design review for the second Falcon 9/Dragon demonstration under NASA‘s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) project, the company announced Feb. 12.
    Under COTS, SpaceX will conduct three Falcon 9/Dragon flights, demonstrating the ability to approach, berth, and deliver cargo to the International Space Station and return cargo to Earth. The first flight will demonstrate launch, operations over several orbits, re-entry and return to Earth.
    During this second and demonstration, the Dragon spacecraft will approach within 10 kilometers of the station and hold its position. The primary objective of the four-day mission is to demonstrate Dragon’s communication and control system links to the station.