CAPE CANAVERAL: SpaceX launched its 35th commercial resupply mission for NASA on Tuesday morning, sending a Cargo Dragon spacecraft loaded with about 6,500 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments toward the International Space Station.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:33 am Eastern time (4:03 pm IST) from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Minutes after liftoff, the first-stage booster returned to Landing Zone 40 in a pinpoint landing, rattling the Space Coast with its signature sonic booms.
A launch that lit up the sky
Because liftoff came shortly before the 7:21 am sunrise, sunlight below the horizon caught the rocket's exhaust high in the atmosphere, painting a glowing "jellyfish" effect across the predawn sky along the East Coast — a phenomenon eagerly tracked by launch photographers, who had predicted near-ideal conditions. The US Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron had put the chance of favorable weather at greater than 95 percent.
The Cargo Dragon is flying its fourth delivery mission, having previously supported the CRS-26, CRS-29 and CRS-33 flights. It is expected to dock with the station's Zenith port at approximately 11 am on October 15.
Science on board
Beyond crew supplies, the mission carries a heavy slate of research: experiments on producing artificial retinas, the effects of microgravity on 3D heart tissue growth, glass formation from unconventional elements, and connections between inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. A student experiment from the Florida Institute of Technology will test whether hydrogels can shield astronauts from cosmic radiation — research with implications for future Moon and Mars missions.
The crew will also find some comfort food aboard: apples, oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, sweet peppers, tomatoes, pizza kits, cookies and candy, plus holiday items for the approaching season.
The Falcon 9 booster used for the flight was making its eighth trip to space, having previously flown an Amazon KF-01 mission, NASA's IMAP mission, two national security missions and a Starlink launch.
Sources: Florida Today — SpaceX rocket launch from Florida on NASA delivery brings sonic booms, 'jellyfish' effect (Oct 13, 2026)
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:33 am Eastern time (4:03 pm IST) from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Minutes after liftoff, the first-stage booster returned to Landing Zone 40 in a pinpoint landing, rattling the Space Coast with its signature sonic booms.
A launch that lit up the sky
Because liftoff came shortly before the 7:21 am sunrise, sunlight below the horizon caught the rocket's exhaust high in the atmosphere, painting a glowing "jellyfish" effect across the predawn sky along the East Coast — a phenomenon eagerly tracked by launch photographers, who had predicted near-ideal conditions. The US Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron had put the chance of favorable weather at greater than 95 percent.
The Cargo Dragon is flying its fourth delivery mission, having previously supported the CRS-26, CRS-29 and CRS-33 flights. It is expected to dock with the station's Zenith port at approximately 11 am on October 15.
Science on board
Beyond crew supplies, the mission carries a heavy slate of research: experiments on producing artificial retinas, the effects of microgravity on 3D heart tissue growth, glass formation from unconventional elements, and connections between inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. A student experiment from the Florida Institute of Technology will test whether hydrogels can shield astronauts from cosmic radiation — research with implications for future Moon and Mars missions.
The crew will also find some comfort food aboard: apples, oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, sweet peppers, tomatoes, pizza kits, cookies and candy, plus holiday items for the approaching season.
The Falcon 9 booster used for the flight was making its eighth trip to space, having previously flown an Amazon KF-01 mission, NASA's IMAP mission, two national security missions and a Starlink launch.
Sources: Florida Today — SpaceX rocket launch from Florida on NASA delivery brings sonic booms, 'jellyfish' effect (Oct 13, 2026)
