NASA and SpaceX Prepare for 34th Resupply Mission to International Space Station

NASA and SpaceX are gearing up for the 34th resupply mission to the International Space Station, scheduled to launch from Florida on Tuesday, May 12th, at 7:16 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. This mission will deliver approximately 6,500 pounds of essential cargo, including scientific experiments and critical equipment, to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The launch is set to take place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Following its launch, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to autonomously dock with the International Space Station on Thursday, May 14th, at approximately 9:50 a.m., attaching to the forward port of the station’s Harmony module.

This resupply mission will carry a variety of new research initiatives designed to advance scientific understanding and astronaut well-being. Among the experiments are studies aimed at assessing the accuracy of Earth-based simulators in replicating microgravity conditions and the development of a bone scaffold derived from wood. This innovative scaffold holds potential for new treatments for bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Additionally, the mission will transport equipment to investigate changes in red blood cells and the spleen within the space environment, which could contribute to improved astronaut health for future long-duration missions. The Dragon spacecraft will also be equipped with a new instrument to monitor charged particles surrounding Earth, which can affect power grids and satellites, and another instrument to precisely measure sunlight reflected by Earth and the Moon, offering insights into planetary formation. The spacecraft is slated to remain at the International Space Station until mid-June, when it will undock and return to Earth, bringing back time-sensitive research and cargo, with a splashdown planned off the coast of California.

NASA will provide comprehensive coverage of the launch and arrival events. A prelaunch media teleconference is scheduled for Monday, May 11th, at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, featuring representatives from NASA’s International Space Station Program and SpaceX. Media interested in participating by phone must request dial-in information by 10 a.m. on May 11th by contacting the NASA Kennedy newsroom at ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. The audio of this teleconference will be streamed live on NASA’s YouTube channel.

Launch coverage will commence on Tuesday, May 12th, at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and will be accessible on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. The NASA website will also feature live streaming and blog updates starting around 7 p.m., accompanying the countdown milestones. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be made available on NASA+ shortly after liftoff. For inquiries regarding countdown coverage, the NASA Kennedy newsroom can be reached at 321-672-2468. Updates throughout the countdown will also be posted on NASA’s International Space Station blog. The official launch is targeted for 7:16 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Following the launch, coverage of the Dragon spacecraft’s arrival at the International Space Station will begin on Thursday, May 14th, at 8:20 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. The anticipated docking time is 9:50 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The public is invited to participate virtually in this launch through NASA’s virtual guest program, which offers curated resources, notifications about mission updates, and a virtual passport stamp. The public can also engage with the mission on social media by following and tagging NASA accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Further information about International Space Station operations and research can be found on NASA’s official website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from NASA

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