NASA and SpaceX Cargo Dragon Mission to Deliver Science and Supplies to the ISS

NASA and SpaceX aim to begin delivering scientific research, supplies and equipment to the International Space Station on Tuesday, October 13.

When and Where to Watch the SpaceX Dragon Launch

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will carry more than 6,300 pounds of supplies aboard the company’s Falcon 9 rocket. The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

After reaching the International Space Station, Dragon will autonomously dock with the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module.

NASA will provide launch and docking coverage through a variety of platforms. See where you can watch the mission online:

International Space Station Research

For more than 25 years, the International Space Station has supported research by scientists from more than 110 countries and enabled more than 4,000 experiments in microgravity.

Research conducted aboard the station provides multiple benefits to humanity while helping prepare for long-term missions to the Moon and Mars through NASA’s Artemis program.

Scientific Experiments Flying on Dragon

In addition to cargo for the space station’s crew, Dragon will deliver several new scientific experiments.

LambdaVision-1: Manufacturing Artificial Retinas in Space

NASA is using LambdaVision-1 to test a method for manufacturing artificial eye retinas one thin layer at a time in a microgravity environment.

Reduced sedimentation in microgravity may help create more uniform and stable layers, potentially improving implant performance. These retinal prostheses could help restore vision for patients with currently incurable retinal diseases around the globe.

Stellar Spheroids: Studying 3D Human Heart Tissue

NASA will use the Stellar Spheroids experiment to study how microgravity affects the growth and function of a 3D human heart tissue model.

Researchers plan to assess whether microgravity improves the formation of sophisticated vascular networks. The results could help scientists develop more realistic heart tissue models for disease research and support large-scale drug testing on future space missions.

ELF-Unconventional Glass 2: Developing Advanced Materials

ELF-Unconventional Glass 2 uses non-traditional elements to study how glass forms in microgravity.

Researchers plan to observe melting behavior in space before returning the solid samples to Earth for detailed analysis. These unconventional glasses could offer higher strength, improved optical capabilities and greater durability for spacecraft, habitats and other exploration technologies.

MINDS: Investigating Brain Organoids and Neurodegenerative Disease

The MINDS experiment studies brain organoids to better understand inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

The study uses “organoid villages” that combine cells from multiple people to better represent patient diversity. The results could help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Dragon Docking and Return to Earth

NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Watkins will monitor the Dragon spacecraft’s arrival. After remaining docked to the orbiting laboratory for about a month, Dragon will splash down in the Pacific Ocean and return important science and hardware to teams on Earth.

Other Supplies and Equipment Delivered to the Space Station

International Space Station Rollout Solar Array (IROSA) – The final pair of IROSA arrays will be installed on the space station. These power system enhancements will support critical operations, including safe and controlled deorbiting.

Collapsible urinals and support hardware – A demonstration and test unit supporting NASA’s Artemis III mission.

Canadarm2 Joint Flight Support System – A large foam clamshell will fly empty to return a failed robotic arm joint that was replaced during a June 30 spacewalk. After returning to Earth, teams will analyze the joint on the ground.

Additional equipment includes toilet dose pumps, toilet pretreatment quality sensors, and robotic microconical tools for space station maintenance, external exchange unit tasks and payload utilization.

Hardware Returning on the Dragon Spacecraft

When Dragon returns in mid-November, it will bring Canadarm2’s failed joints, ground refurbishment spacesuits, urine treatment system fluid and pressure control pump assemblies, and water treatment system filtration units back to Earth for analysis and refurbishment.