SpaceX CRS-35 Launches Final ISS Solar Arrays and Medical Experiments

Key points

• Launch scheduled for 6:33 a.m. EDT on October 13 from Cape Canaveral.
• Cargo includes the final ISS Roll-Out Solar Arrays and 6,300 pounds of supplies.
• Dragon C211 will dock with the Harmony module on October 15.
• Science experiments include artificial retina manufacturing and 3D heart tissue models.
• The capsule will remain docked until mid-November before returning to Earth.

Background

This mission follows the return of Crew-12 to Earth on October 8, 2026, after a 237-day mission. The crew, which included NASA’s Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA’s Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos’ Andrey Fedyaev, splashed down in the Pacific off Los Angeles. Their mission replaced a previous crew sent home early due to a medical emergency, marking NASA’s first medical evacuation in 65 years. The CRS-35 mission is part of NASA’s ongoing Commercial Resupply Services contract with SpaceX.

How outlets are covering it

Spaceflight Now and NASA confirm the launch time and cargo details, including the final solar arrays and 6,300 pounds of supplies. SpaceX provides the launch site and vehicle details, while WRAL highlights the visibility of the launch in North Carolina skies. All sources agree on the docking date of October 15 and the return in mid-November. There are no significant disagreements among the outlets.

Why it matters

The delivery of the final Roll-Out Solar Arrays is critical for augmenting the power generation of the aging International Space Station. The science experiments, including studies on artificial retinas and 3D heart tissue models, aim to advance medical research and drug testing for future space missions. This mission also marks the 35th commercial resupply flight to the ISS, highlighting the ongoing partnership between NASA and SpaceX.

What to watch

The Dragon capsule will remain docked to the ISS until mid-November, when it will depart and return to Earth with time-critical research and cargo. NASA will host a media teleconference on October 8 to preview the launch and provide updates on the Crew-12 return. Live coverage of the launch and docking will be available through NASA’s platforms.