newjerseynewsroom.com

BY DANIEL REYES

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

An unmanned spaceship could be making its way to the International Space Station, and history books, as early as this week.

California-based company SpaceX could launch their rocket as soon as Saturday which would then dock at the ISS three days later, according to The Los Angeles Times.

If successful the spaceship will mark the first time a privately built craft has docked with the ISS, as reported by Christian Science Monitor.

"We're ready to take that next step," said Elon Musk, the 40-year-old founder. "It's been a long road to this point."

The Dragon capsule, which will be jettisoned into space by the Falcon 9 rocket, will carry cargo to restock the ISS, according to The Register.

"The primary objectives for the flight include 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," said SpaceX sokeswoman Kirstin Brost Grantham to The Verge.

"The spacecraft also will demonstrate the ability to abort the rendezvous. Once these capabilities are successfully proven, the Dragon will be cleared to berth with the space station."

If the mission fails, The LA Times speculates that NASA could come under serious criticism for its recent decision to outsource space-travel responsibilities to private corporations.

“SpaceX is submitting a request to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for a May 19 launch target,” Grantham is quoted as saying in Slash Gear. “Thus far, no issues have been uncovered during this process, but with a mission of this complexity we want to be extremely diligent.”