NASA SpaceX Cargo Launch October 13, 2026: Schedule, Mission and Experiments

On October 13, 2026, NASA and SpaceX will launch a cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) with scientific experiments, equipment and essential supplies for the astronauts onboard the orbiting laboratory.

The launch will take place at 6:33 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, according to NASA. That is 4:03 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST) on October 13th. Subject to change, the launch is scheduled.

The flight, dubbed SpaceX's 35th Commercial Resupply Services mission for NASA, will be carried by a Falcon 9 rocket to a Dragon cargo spacecraft that will head toward the space station. Mission will carry over 6300 pounds (roughly 2860 kg) of supplies, research equipment and other cargo.

In addition to the normal resupply tasks, the mission will also feature experiments in the production of artificial retina, models of heart tissue, and brain organoids. The research conducted on these studies can be used in the future medical research on the Earth.

When is NASA SpaceX Cargo Launch?

The launch of the CRS-35 mission is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with NASA and SpaceX set to launch at that time.

The agencies make the following announcements:

• Launch date: October 13, 2026

• Scheduled launch time: 6:33 a.m. EDT

• Indian time: 4:03 p.m. IST

• Launch vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9

• Cargo spacecraft: SpaceX Dragon

• Launch location: Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida

• Destination: International Space Station

• Expected docking: October 15, around 11 a.m. EDT, or 8:30 p.m. IST

NASA has also said it will have a backup launch opportunity Oct. 14 at 6:08 a.m. EDT if the Oct. 13 launch is not possible. Launch and docking times are dependent on operational conditions.

The launch will be broadcast live online via NASA's broadcast and SpaceX online. The agencies' websites are a good place to find out if there are any changes to the schedule.

What is SpaceX's CRS-35 Mission?

CRS-35 is SpaceX's 35th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA.

Goods from commercial resupply vehicles bring food, equipment, science instruments and more supplies needed by the station crew. They also bring experiments that take advantage of the microgravity conditions in the station to answer scientific questions that can't be studied the same way on Earth.

This mission will be flown on a launch from Florida aboard a Dragon spacecraft aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. After reaching orbit, Dragon is scheduled to maneuver itself to the space side of the station's Harmony module for docking.

NASA plans to keep the spacecraft at the station until it returns to Earth in mid-November carrying research samples and equipment.

The mission is a follow-on to the ongoing cooperation between NASA and commercial companies to keep the station operational and facilitate science in low Earth orbit.

Four Important Research Areas to Watch

1. Artificial Retina Research

An interesting experiment carried out by one of the missions will be the production of artificial retinal tissue in microgravity.

The LambdaVision-1 investigation will examine if layer-by-layer manufacturing of retinal implants is possible on the surface of the space environment to generate more uniform and stable structures.

The retina is an important part of the visual system that converts light into signals the brain can interpret. Artificial retinal materials are being looked at as a means of helping those suffering from certain retinal diseases.

The "no gravity" environment alters manufacturing processes for fluids and materials. This environment on the ISS could provide researchers a new means to create these types of materials with less of the settling effects.

It is important to remember that the experiment is not a treatment, though. The results of its investigations will have to be reviewed before medical benefits can be determined.

2. Brain Organoids and Neurological Diseases

The mission also will include brain organoid studies from NASA's MINDS investigation.

Brain organoids are small, laboratory-grown models of brain tissue that reproduce specific properties of the brain. They are employed to study biological processes, but they don't duplicate a whole human brain.

The experiment will investigate processes of inflammation that may provide clues for researchers in the search for treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Research conducted in microgravity might assist investigators in studying some of the changes in cells in environments that are different from what is found on Earth.

Results may support future studies, but should not be viewed as proof that the mission will directly bring a cure to these diseases.

3. Three-Dimensional Heart Tissue Models

Another area of research is considering 3-D heart tissue models for further scientific studies and drug testing.

Tissue models can be used to investigate the behavior and response of cells in a controlled environment. The improved models could lead to the investigation of the mechanisms of disease and the effectiveness of drugs in the future.

Space is another environment for the study of biological systems. The findings could lead scientists to the methods that might be effective in Earth-based future experiments.

4. Studying Glass Formation in Microgravity

The Dragon spacecraft also will transport materials for a study of a novel type of glass that crystallizes in microgravity.

During manufacturing, gravity can affect the flow of materials and the design of structures. Space studies of glass formation may thus provide insight into the effects of different processing conditions on the final product.

The research is exploratory in nature. The real significance will be determined by the results of the experiments and whether the results can be used in Earth-based manufacturing processes.

Why Is the Mission Carrying New Solar Arrays?

CRS-35 will also unload the final two International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSAs).

These arrays are provided to supplement the power system in place at the station. The extra power capacity enables ongoing power usage at the station, such as the continued use of research equipment and other station systems.

The final two are part of a project to augment the solar array, which is an important task.

The solar arrays are also considered to be part of the station's overall infrastructure requirements. Satisfactory power is critical for the crew, communications, life-support systems and scientific investigations.

How to Watch the Launch

For those wanting to follow the mission, NASA and SpaceX websites will provide live coverage and schedule updates.

Cover of NASA's launch will begin at 6:15 a.m. EDT on October 13, about 18 minutes before the anticipated launch. It's 3:45 p.m. IST in India.

The SpaceX webcast will start about 20 minutes before launching.

The times may vary so please check the latest time before viewing.

What Happens After Launch?

Once in orbit, the Dragon will fly towards the International Space Station. The October 15th date and time of 11 a.m. EDT have been set for docking.

Its cargo will contribute to the ongoing operations and scientific programme of the station upon arrival. Experiments will be possible with the equipment and materials supplied by the mission.

The Dragon is expected to stay docked for approximately a month in order to return cargo to Earth, before separating from the station.

Important is that return trip because some experiments need to have samples or equipment analyzed by researchers on the ground following space exposure.

Conclusion

The CRS-35 mission is more than just another cargo delivery for SpaceX. It will carry supplies and equipment that will be used to keep the International Space Station operational and facilitate the research on artificial retinal materials, brain organoids, heart tissue and glass formation.

Another significant part of the flight is the delivery of the final two of the roll out solar arrays.

The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch on Oct. 13 if the schedule remains on track and Dragon will arrive at the station two days later. The science return from the mission will hinge on the experiments' outcomes and the impact they will have on future Earth science research.