NASA and SpaceX Prepare 35th Commercial Resupply Mission to ISS

• NASA and SpaceX are targeting October 13 for the launch of the 35th commercial resupply mission, delivering over 6,300 pounds of research, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station.
• The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Scientific Research Highlights

• Lambda-Vision-1: Tests manufacturing artificial eye retinas in microgravity to potentially treat incurable retinal diseases on Earth.
• Stellar Spheroids: Examines the growth and function of 3D human heart tissue models, aiming to improve drug testing and disease research.
• ELF-Unconventional Glass 2: Studies the formation of glass using non-traditional elements to develop stronger, more durable materials for future space exploration.
• MINDS: Analyzes brain organoids to better understand inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

Cargo and Return Logistics

• The mission delivers the final pair of International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA) to complete the power system augmentation.
• Includes hardware for NASA's Artemis III mission, such as a collapsible continency urinal.
• The Dragon spacecraft will return to Earth in mid-November carrying the failed joint from the Canadarm2 robotic arm for refurbishment, along with used spacesuits and water processing filtration units for ground-based analysis.