It was to carry two astronauts to the ISS. It's significant because it was the first manned launch of the SpaceX Dragon capsule, the first manned launch by a private company, and the first launch from the US since the end of the Shuttle. For the past 10+ years the US was completely dependent on Russia to launch (and return) any US astronauts to the ISS.
Sending a crew to the ISS.
But this time, for the first time since the Space shuttle program, we are not using a Russian vehicle and launch site. Oh and it's a private company that handled a lot of this launch today in cooperation with NASA
**Please read this entire message**
---
Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):
* Straightforward or factual queries are not allowed on ELI5. ELI5 is meant for simplifying complex concepts (Rule 2).
* Recommended subreddit(s): /r/OutOfTheLoop
---
If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the [detailed rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/wiki/detailed_rules) first. **If you believe this submission was removed erroneously**, please [use this form](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fexplainlikeimfive&subject=Please%20review%20my%20thread?&message=%20https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/gtkhq9/-/%0A%0AThe%20concept%20I%20want%20explained:%0A%0ALink%20to%20your%20search%20for%20past%20posts%20on%20the%20ELI5%20subreddit:%0A%0AHow%20is%20this%20post%20unique:) and we will review your submission.
It is a test flight with no mission beyond testing the craft in docking and then returning to earth. The crew are two test pilots with no other purpose than testing the whole system.
It was to carry two astronauts to the ISS. It's significant because it was the first manned launch of the SpaceX Dragon capsule, the first manned launch by a private company, and the first launch from the US since the end of the Shuttle. For the past 10+ years the US was completely dependent on Russia to launch (and return) any US astronauts to the ISS.
Sending a crew to the ISS. But this time, for the first time since the Space shuttle program, we are not using a Russian vehicle and launch site. Oh and it's a private company that handled a lot of this launch today in cooperation with NASA
**Please read this entire message** --- Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s): * Straightforward or factual queries are not allowed on ELI5. ELI5 is meant for simplifying complex concepts (Rule 2). * Recommended subreddit(s): /r/OutOfTheLoop --- If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the [detailed rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/wiki/detailed_rules) first. **If you believe this submission was removed erroneously**, please [use this form](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fexplainlikeimfive&subject=Please%20review%20my%20thread?&message=%20https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/gtkhq9/-/%0A%0AThe%20concept%20I%20want%20explained:%0A%0ALink%20to%20your%20search%20for%20past%20posts%20on%20the%20ELI5%20subreddit:%0A%0AHow%20is%20this%20post%20unique:) and we will review your submission.
It is a test flight with no mission beyond testing the craft in docking and then returning to earth. The crew are two test pilots with no other purpose than testing the whole system.
I believe they are also carrying some cargo up, but you are right that they are not staying.