SpaceX has launched its Falcon 9 rocket on a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), delivering supplies and equipment as part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services programme.
The rocket lifted off at 6:33 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 13, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The mission, designated CRS-35, uses a Dragon spacecraft scheduled to dock autonomously with the ISS on Thursday, October 15, at approximately 11 a.m. Eastern Time, following an estimated 52-hour journey.
SpaceX confirmed that the Dragon spacecraft had separated from the rocket after launch. The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster subsequently returned to Earth and landed at Landing Zone 40 at Cape Canaveral.
Dragon Spacecraft Begins Fourth Mission
CRS-35 marks SpaceX’s 35th Commercial Resupply Services mission and the fourth flight of the Dragon spacecraft assigned to the operation.
The spacecraft previously flew the CRS-26, CRS-29 and CRS-33 missions to and from the space station.
During its journey, Dragon will execute a series of engine burns to adjust its trajectory and move progressively closer to the ISS before carrying out its final docking manoeuvres. Once docked, the spacecraft’s vestibule will be pressurised, the hatches opened and the crew will gain access to the vehicle.
The Falcon 9 first-stage booster used for CRS-35 was making its eighth flight. According to SpaceX, the booster had previously supported the launches of KF-01, IMAP, NROL-77, GPS III-9, CRS-34, NROL-95 and a Starlink mission.
The recovery of the booster at Cape Canaveral continues SpaceX’s practice of reusing rocket components to support its launch operations. Reusable launch vehicles are central to the company’s approach to reducing the cost of access to space and increasing the frequency of missions.
NASA’s Commercial Resupply Programme
NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services programme uses private companies, including SpaceX, to transport cargo to the International Space Station. The missions supply the orbiting laboratory with equipment, scientific experiments and other materials needed to support astronauts and research activities.
The ISS serves as a platform for scientific investigations in microgravity, including research that can contribute to advances in medicine, technology and space exploration.
The CRS-35 mission is another operation in the continuing partnership between NASA and SpaceX to maintain supplies and support scientific work aboard the station.
