After successful launch, NASA's Crew Dragon passes its next test

Another day, another success for NASA.

24 hours after NASA and SpaceX successfully launched the Crew Dragon — the first American spacecraft capable of carrying humans into orbit since 2011 — the capsule passed its next major test with flying colors, docking safely with the International Space Station.

No humans were aboard the Dragon — just a mannequin — which docked autonomously without assistance from the station crew or a robotic arm. After the Dragon docked, the three astronauts on board the station entered the capsule to take air samples and atmospheric readings to ensure its safety.

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The spacecraft will now remain attached to the station until Friday evening when it will detach and return to Earth. If the trial goes well, SpaceX and NASA could send two astronauts — Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken — into orbit as early as this summer.