SpaceX CRS-35 Launches Final Solar Arrays and Science to ISS

SpaceX launched its 35th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-35) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:33 a.m. EDT, carrying more than 6,300 pounds of science, supplies, and hardware.

Final Solar Arrays Delivered

The mission carries the fourth and final pair of Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSA), also referred to as IROSA arrays, built by Redwire Space. These arrays are designed to augment the power of the ISS, compensating for the degradation of the station's original solar wings. Each array is capable of providing more than 20 kW of power for more than 10 years.

Gaurang Patel, NASA’s operations integration manager of its Low Earth Orbit Program, noted the significance of this delivery during post-launch remarks. "It’s been quite the journey. Folks may remember back in 2017 when we launched the ROSA on CRS-11 and that’s really where we demonstrated this innovative approach to deploying a solar array," Patel said. "Once we were able to prove that technology, we were trying to understand how we could leverage this for the ISS and apply that."

Dana Weigel, director of low-Earth orbit operations at the Johnson Space Center, explained that the new arrays will work in parallel with the existing ones. "Those new IROSA arrays have solar cells on them that are more efficient than our original cells, they have a higher energy density, and together in combination, they generate more power than what (an) original array, when it was new, did on its own," Weigel said. Astronauts are scheduled to install these arrays during spacewalks later this fall.

Scientific Experiments and Cargo

The Dragon spacecraft, tail number C211, is carrying equipment for more than 40 different scientific studies. Key experiments include:

• Artificial Retinas: The LambdaVision-1 experiment will test manufacturing artificial retinas in microgravity, aiming to produce more uniform layers for implants that could help restore vision.
• Heart Tissue: The Stellar Spheroids experiment will study 3D human heart tissue models to advance drug testing and understand blood vessel network development.
• Unconventional Glass: The ELF-Unconventional Glass 2 experiment will examine how glass made from heavier elements forms in microgravity. Dr. Liz Warren, NASA’s deputy chief scientist within its ISS Office, stated, "These unconventional glasses could have remarkable properties, including refractive indices higher than diamond, greater resistance to breaking, and even the ability to contract rather than expand when heated."
• Brain Organoids: The MINDS experiment will use brain organoids to investigate inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

In addition to science gear, the cargo includes 844 pounds of crew supplies, 1,307 pounds of science gear, 417 pounds of spacewalk equipment, and 880 pounds of vehicle hardware. Fresh food items such as oranges, apples, and pizza kits are also on board.

Mission Timeline and Hardware

The Falcon 9 first-stage booster, tail number B1096, completed its eighth flight, landing at Landing Zone 40 approximately 7.5 minutes after liftoff. The Dragon spacecraft separated from the upper stage two minutes later and is on a two-day journey to the ISS. It is scheduled to autonomously dock at the space-facing port of the Harmony module at 11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 15.

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk will monitor the spacecraft’s arrival. Dragon C211, which is making its fourth flight, will remain docked to the station for about a month. It is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in mid-November, returning time-critical research and hardware, including a failed Canadarm2 robotic arm joint.

Why it matters

The delivery of the final ROSA arrays marks the completion of a major power system upgrade for the ISS, ensuring sufficient electricity for research, operations, and the station’s eventual controlled deorbit. The scientific experiments aboard CRS-35 aim to advance medical treatments on Earth, including potential therapies for vision loss, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions, while also testing materials for future space exploration.

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Sources

• spaceflightnow.com: SpaceX launches NASA science and cargo to the International Space Station – Spaceflight Now
• nasa.gov: NASA Science, Cargo Launch on 35th SpaceX Resupply Mission to Station - NASA
• cbsnews.com: SpaceX launches cargo ship to space station in spectacular pre-dawn flight - CBS News
• fox35orlando.com: SpaceX launches resupply mission from Florida to International Space Station | FOX 35 Orlando
• minutemirror.com.pk: SpaceX launches cargo mission carrying solar arrays, science experiments to ISS - Minute Mirror

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.