SpaceX launches cargo ship to space station in spectacular pre-dawn flight
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched an uncrewed Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral at 6:33 a.m. Tuesday. The mission is carrying more than 6,300 pounds of cargo for the International Space Station.
The rocket’s first stage returned and landed near its launch site. Dragon then separated from the rocket and began its flight to the orbiting station.
The spacecraft is expected to arrive Thursday and dock automatically at the station’s Harmony module. Its cargo includes crew provisions, science equipment, spacewalk gear, and vehicle and computer hardware.
Two new IROSA solar arrays are aboard in Dragon’s unpressurized trunk. Astronauts are expected to install them during spacewalks later this month and in early November; six arrays of this type have already been installed.
The arrays are designed to add power alongside the station’s original solar panels. Their installation is part of maintaining the station’s electricity supply as the orbiting laboratory continues its research and operations.
Key points
- Dragon launched Tuesday and is scheduled to dock with the space station Thursday.
- The spacecraft carries over 6,300 pounds of cargo, including crew and research supplies.