SpaceX CRS-35 Launch Delivers Final Solar Arrays and Creates 'Jellyfish' Sky Phenomenon

Key points

• The Falcon 9 rocket launched at 6:33 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying the Cargo Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station.
• The mission delivers the final two Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA) to replace aging solar wings, along with science equipment for studying artificial retinas, 3D heart tissues, and brain organoids.
• The 'space jellyfish' phenomenon occurred when the second-stage engine's exhaust expanded in the upper atmosphere and was backlit by the rising sun, visible from Florida to the Mid-Atlantic.
• The Cargo Dragon is expected to dock autonomously at the Harmony module on October 15 at 11 a.m. EDT, after a 52-hour journey.
• The first-stage booster landed near the launch pad at 6:41 a.m. EDT, shortly after separating from the second stage.

Background

This is the 35th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission for NASA. Previous coverage noted that similar 'jellyfish' effects have occurred during pre-dawn launches, but this mission is notable for delivering the final solar array upgrades to the station. The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to remain at the station until mid-November before returning to Earth with research cargo.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and FOX 35 Orlando emphasized the visual spectacle of the 'space jellyfish' cloud visible across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, noting that early risers captured photos of the glowing exhaust. CBS News provided technical details on the launch, including the 1.7 million pounds of thrust and the precise timing of the first-stage landing. NASA's official advisory focused on the scientific payload, highlighting experiments on artificial retinas and neurodegenerative diseases, while noting the delivery of the final IROSA solar arrays. All sources agree on the launch time and destination, but differ in emphasis: media outlets highlighted the atmospheric phenomenon, while NASA and CBS News focused on the mission's technical and scientific objectives.

Why it matters

The delivery of the final Roll-Out Solar Arrays is critical for maintaining the International Space Station's power output as its original solar wings degrade. The mission also advances research in microgravity, including the development of artificial retinas and 3D heart tissues, which could have significant implications for medical treatments on Earth. The 'space jellyfish' phenomenon highlights the visual impact of rocket launches on the atmosphere and public awareness of spaceflight.

What to watch

The Cargo Dragon is expected to dock with the International Space Station on October 15 at 11 a.m. EDT. The spacecraft will remain at the station until mid-November, when it will return to Earth with time-critical research and cargo, splashing down off the coast of California. The new solar arrays will be installed during spacewalks later in October and early November.