SpaceX Launches Cargo Ship to Space Station in Early Morning Mission
SpaceX launches cargo ship with new solar arrays to space station. Watch pre-dawn launch and supply delivery details.
POLICY WIRE — City, Country — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched an unpiloted Dragon cargo spacecraft into orbit on Tuesday, beginning a journey to the International Space Station. The mission aims to deliver over 6,300 pounds of scientific equipment, spare parts, and crew supplies.
The Dragon carries two additional roll-out solar array blankets, completing a major upgrade to the station’s aging power system. These new arrays, known as IROSA, are designed to enhance the station’s energy output by replacing older solar wings that have degraded over time.
The launch took place at 6:33 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with the first-stage booster returning to the launch site for a successful landing just eight minutes later. The second stage continued to orbit, and the Dragon separated shortly after. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at the space station on Thursday, where it will be automatically docked at the Harmony module.
Among the cargo are fresh fruits such as oranges, apples, and blueberries, along with treats like pizza kits and cookies. The IROSA arrays, each weighing 2,635 pounds on Earth, are mounted in the Dragon’s unpressurized trunk. They generate 20 kilowatts of power and significantly boost the station’s energy capacity when combined with the original arrays.
According to Dana Weigel, director of low-Earth orbit operations at Johnson Space Center, the new arrays feature more efficient solar cells and higher energy density, allowing them to produce more power than the original ones did when they were brand new.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
