CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft is preparing for liftoff.
NASA's commercial cargo provider is set to launch its 22nd commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station Thursday from Kennedy Space Center.
SpaceX is targeting a 1:29 p.m liftoff from Launch Complex 39A.
The spacecraft will deliver supplies for continued scientific research aboard the orbiting laboratory along with equipment for the international crew.
The Dragon’s pressurized capsule will carry a variety of research including
- An experiment that could help better treatment for kidney disease on Earth
- A study that could identify varieties of plants that require less water and pesticides
- An investigation that could help scientists understand stress factors affecting humans in space
- An investigation into bobtail squid that will help scientists study the effects of spaceflight on beneficial microbes and their animal hosts
Scientists aboard the International Space Station will also test remotely operating robotic arms. A robotic arm will extract new solar arrays abroad the Dragon which will be installed by astronauts during a series of spacewalks this summer.
About 12 minutes after launch, Dragon will separate from the Falcon 9 rocket’s second stage and reach the space station through a series of thruster firings.
When it arrives, as planned for Saturday, June 5, the Dragon will autonomously dock to the station where it will stay attached for more than a month before it splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean with returning research and cargo.
You can see pre-launch coverage on the Kennedy Space Center's Facebook and Youtube pages. Plus 10 Tampa Bay will be streaming the launch live on our website, app and social media platforms.
What other people are reading right now:
- Find a Lightning watch party for Game 3 against Carolina
- Doctors treating more viruses in children as COVID restrictions ease
- President Biden tasks VP Harris to lead Dems in voting rights bill push in Congress
- The history of naming tropical systems
- What can I get tax-free during Florida's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday?
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
