Dragon Spacecraft Return: Scott Kelly Biological Samples Key To Spaceflight Travel Effects

Dragon Spacecraft, the private space agency Space X cargo craft, makes its way back to Earth. After undocking from the International Space Station on May 11, 2016, 9:19 a.m. EDT, it has dropped back to the atmosphere and descended back to the planet.

Previously expected to crash down at the Pacific Ocean, 261 miles southwest of Long Beach, California at 2:55 in the same afternoon, the Dragon brought back biological samples from former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly.

Kelly who stayed up in the ISS for 340 days has been on a mission to further understand the human capabilities when exposed for a longer time in space. The Dragon Spacecraft samples are expected to help scientists understand the changes that Kelly's body had been through during his ISS stay.

The Dragon spacecraft cargo was filled with supplies worth 3,700 pounds including the biological samples taken from Kelly. The sample includes body fluids and other samples that will undergo biotechnology and physical science research, The Verge reported.

ESA astronaut Tim Peake, upon the spacecraft's return, will examine the ISS photo showing a mechanical arm releasing the capsule and trusting away from the station and back to Earth. The British astronaut even said that the "Dragon spacecraft has served us well, and it's good to see it departing full of science, and we wish it a safe recovery back to planet Earth."

When the samples are safely delivered back to NASA, scientists pointed out that they will presume studying the cargo for a year. This will now help them further understand the extreme physiological and psychological effects of long spaceflight travel may cause. However, with these studies on the works, it will help pave way to executing a possible mission to Mars and other distant planets, Space.com reported.

Dragon Spacecraft has been designed in a way that it will survive its landing with the help of parachutes, keeping the cargo safe and intact.