Watch: Nasa launches over 2,000 kg food, supplies, science tests to space

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Florida on Tuesday, October 13, carrying a Dragon cargo spacecraft loaded with more than 2,800 kg of food, supplies, equipment and scientific experiments for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).The launch took place at 4:03 pm IST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.The uncrewed Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock autonomously with the orbiting laboratory at around 8:30 pm IST on Thursday, October 15, following a journey of approximately 52 hours.The mission is SpaceX's 35th commercial cargo delivery to the space station for Nasa. The space agency is using regular deliveries to keep astronauts supplied while supporting research that could benefit people on Earth. WHAT IS DRAGON SPACECRAFT CARRYING? Along with food and everyday supplies for the crew, the spacecraft is delivering the final pair of roll-out solar arrays for the space station. These compact panels will be installed to increase the station's available electricity for scientific research and other operations.The cargo also includes several experiments focused on human health. One investigation will send tiny, lab-grown models of human brain tissue to space for around five weeks. Scientists will study how these models respond to the space environment, looking for clues that could help research into conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. An image of the Dragon spacecraft awaiting its launch to the ISS. (Photo: SpaceX) Another experiment will test the production of artificial retinas, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, in the weightless conditions of space. Researchers hope the process could eventually help develop implants for people with certain retinal diseases.A separate study will examine how three-dimensional models of human heart tissue grow in space. The findings could help scientists develop better ways to test medicines.WHY IS NASA'S CRS-35 MISSION IMPORTANT?The ISS orbits about 400 km above Earth and serves as a shared laboratory for astronauts and researchers from different countries. Experiments conducted there allow scientists to investigate how living cells and materials behave in conditions that are difficult to reproduce on Earth.Watch Falcon 9 launch Dragon to the @Space_Station https://t.co/wkJ64eJSG4— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2026The Dragon spacecraft is expected to remain attached to the station until mid-November. It will then return to Earth carrying completed experiments and equipment that scientists want to examine on the ground.Beyond keeping the crew supplied, the mission will help researchers explore whether manufacturing materials and studying human tissue in space could lead to advances in medicine and technology.- Ends