SpaceX CRS-1 Mission Update: October 9, 2012 – 8:28AM ET

The Dragon spacecraft continues to look great and all systems are performing nominally. Dragon spent yesterday executing a series of burns and is currently catching up to the International Space Station.

The spacecraft is expected to begin its approach to the station on October 10, where it will be grappled and berthed by Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Expedition 33 Commander Sunita Williams of NASA. We are currently on target for the astronauts to perform the arm grab between roughly 7-7:30AM ET / 4-4:30AM PT; however, this time is variable based upon the GO/NOGO and Hold times from the flight director and status of the vehicle.

An update on grappling and berthing, including an update on timing, will be sent via email later today.

Over the following weeks, the crew will unload Dragon’s payload and reload it with cargo to be returned to Earth. Splashdown is targeted for October 28.