SpaceX successfully launches resupply mission to space; arrives at ISS Saturday

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX successfully launched its cargo resupply mission to space. It is scheduled to arrive Saturday to the International Space Station.

SpaceX also recovered its Falcon 9 rocket, as it landed perfectly on landing zone 1 in Cape Canaveral.

This is SpaceX’s 18th Commercial Resupply Services mission or CRS-18.

The Dragon capsule will carry cargo to the International Space Station.

This same Dragon capsule already took supplies to the ISS in April 2015 and December 2017, CRS-6 and CRS-13, respectively.

WHAT’S IN THE CARGO MISSION?

This mission will carry about 5,000 pounds of supplies and payloads, including over 250 scientific and research projects.

Under the current contract with NASA, SpaceX has 20 resupply missions to the ISS. The contract was extended in January 2016, extending SpaceX’s resupply missions through 2024.

After Dragon’s four-week stay at the ISS, it will return to Earth with over 3,000 pounds of cargo, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California.

Cox Media Group