SpaceX Launches Cargo Dragon to International Space Station
On Monday evening, SpaceX launched an unpiloted Dragon cargo ship to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, taking place on election eve, will deliver three tons of supplies, including crew essentials, science equipment, and even holiday treats.
The Dragon spacecraft lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from historic launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The first stage of the rocket, making its fifth flight, successfully landed back at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking SpaceX's 57th successful booster recovery at the Florida site.
The Dragon is scheduled to reach the ISS on Tuesday morning and dock at the lab's forward port. One of the mission's highlights is a test on Friday to assess the Cargo Dragon's ability to boost the space station's orbit using its thrusters. This test marks a first for SpaceX and will provide valuable data for future spacecraft development.
The Cargo Dragon carries over 6,000 pounds of equipment and supplies, including science gear, crew supplies, spacewalk equipment, and even a unique wooden satellite called Lignosat. This satellite, built with a framework of magnolia panels, aims to demonstrate the potential for sustainable and less polluting satellites in the future.
As with all station-bound Dragon cargo ships, the crew supplies include fresh food and special treats for holiday meals. The astronauts will also receive a variety of new experiments and instruments to operate and monitor, including one studying Antarctic moss and its potential for future life support systems.
The Cargo Dragon is expected to remain docked at the space station for about a month before returning to Earth with station components needing refurbishment and other discarded items.