A-B Tech Chemistry Experiment Set to Fly on SpaceX CRS-35 Mission

Key points

• A-B Tech chemistry instructor and a student developed an oil experiment for spaceflight.
• The experiment is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX mission on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
• The launch is part of the CRS-35 mission to the International Space Station.
• The mission will also deliver the final pair of Roll-Out Solar Arrays to the ISS.
• The Dragon capsule is expected to dock autonomously on October 15.

Background

This launch is part of SpaceX's ongoing Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program for NASA. The CRS-35 mission, launching on October 13, 2026, will carry 6,300 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station. This includes the final pair of Roll-Out Solar Arrays, which are critical for the station's power supply. The Dragon capsule is scheduled to dock autonomously on October 15 and will remain at the ISS for one month before returning to Earth with scientific samples. This follows a series of recent SpaceX launches, including classified U.S. Space Force missions in September 2026.

Why it matters

This highlights the integration of local community college research into major space missions, demonstrating how educational institutions can participate in cutting-edge scientific experiments. It also underscores the continued importance of the ISS as a platform for diverse scientific research, from solar array technology to chemistry experiments, while marking a significant milestone with the installation of the final solar arrays.

What to watch

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Dragon capsule will autonomously dock with the International Space Station on October 15. The capsule will remain at the ISS for one month before returning to Earth, carrying the oil experiment and other scientific samples for analysis.