NASA · Space

SpaceX 35th Resupply Mission to ISS Set for October Launch

NASA and SpaceX are preparing for the 35th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), targeting an October 13 launch. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will carry over 6,300 pounds of research and supplies.

The Dragon spacecraft will launch on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and will autonomously dock to the ISS. NASA will provide live coverage of the launch and docking.

The ISS has facilitated over 4,000 experiments from 110 countries, supporting research for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, and benefiting humanity.

New science experiments include Lambda-Vision-1, which studies artificial retinas in microgravity to potentially aid patients with retinal diseases. Stellar Spheroids will examine 3D human heart tissue models to understand microgravity's effect on their growth and function.

ELF-Unconventional Glass 2 will investigate glass formation in microgravity using non-traditional elements, potentially leading to stronger, more durable materials for spacecraft. The MINDS experiment uses brain organoids to study neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Astronauts will monitor Dragon's arrival. The spacecraft will remain docked for about a month before returning to the Pacific Ocean with research and hardware.

Key cargo includes the final pair of Roll-Out Solar Arrays to augment the ISS power system, a collapsible urinal for the Artemis III mission, and equipment for Canadarm2 robotic arm maintenance.

Upon return, Dragon will bring back the failed Canadarm2 joint for analysis, a spacesuit for refurbishment, and components from the water and urine processing systems.

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