Los Angeles Times

Launch of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule shows NASA's new way of doing business

Until 2011, NASA relied on a single, versatile design to both ferry astronauts to space and transport enormous scientific instruments. It was known as the space shuttle, but in operation, it was more like a space pickup truck.

Late Friday night, Pacific time, a new generation of astronaut transporters will lift off with a far more specialized purpose.

When SpaceX launches its Crew Dragon capsule - without humans - for its first test mission, it will signify a major shift in the way NASA does business. The launch again sets NASA on a path toward craft designed not to

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