SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches NASA CRS-35 Cargo Mission to the International Space Station on October 13

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched on October 13, 2026, carrying the uncrewed Dragon spacecraft on NASA’s 35th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. The rocket lifted off at 6:33 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, according to NASA.

The cargo flight carries vital supplies, equipment, and scientific research investigations for the orbiting laboratory. During the predawn ascent, sunlight illuminated the expanding exhaust plumes of the rocket, creating a glowing visual phenomenon widely known as a “jellyfish.” NASA noted that this striking effect occurs near sunrise or sunset when high-altitude exhaust gases catch the sun while the ground remains dark, making the plumes visible across parts of the eastern United States.

The uncrewed Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to rendezvous with and dock to the International Space Station on October 15, with NASA coverage of the docking operation beginning at 9:15 a.m. EDT.