What SpaceX's next ISS resupply mission is carrying to orbit
NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than October for the 35th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station. A Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, delivering scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the orbital laboratory. Among the cargo will be the final sets of International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays, which astronauts will install during future spacewalks to complete the station's power augmentation. Once installed, the arrays will provide additional power to support critical station operations, including its safe and controlled deorbit. The mission will also transport several new experiments, including hardware for in-space manufacturing.
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The IROSA arrays are the final piece of a multi-year power upgrade. Once installed, they'll extend the station's operational life meaningfully.
“No earlier than October” is a moving target. Launch dates have a habit of slipping, and we don't have a firm date yet.
The in-space manufacturing experiments are quietly exciting — testing whether you can build things in microgravity is a step toward sustainable orbital infrastructure.