[Satellite Today 11-04-08] Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has introduced DragonLab, a reusable spacecraft capable of hosting pressurized and unpressurized payloads to and from space.
    In a Nov. 4 announcement, SpaceX said that DragonLab will launch to orbit aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle in June 2009 and that two subsequent flights will be completed by 2010, culminating with Dragon berthing with the International Space Station.
    DragonLab provides a platform for in-space experimentation, including recovery of pressurized and some unpressurized payloads, as well as deployment of small spacecraft. As a complete system, SpaceX said DragonLab provides for all aspects of operation: propulsion, power, thermal control, environmental control, avionics, communications, thermal protection, flight software, guidance, navigation and control, entry, descent and landing and recovery.
    SpaceX is currently manufacturing the Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 launch vehicle to provide the U.S. with cargo services to the International Space Station under NASA‘s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services competition.