SpaceX is launching its 12th International Space Station resupply mission today
After 40 launch-less days, SpaceX will send up one of its Falcon 9 rockets Monday at 12:31 p.m. ET. About 10 minutes after the launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the rocket is slated to land, hopefully having completed its mission of sending its attached Dragon cargo spacecraft onwards to the International Space Station.
The Dragon cargo spacecraft is packed with 6,400 pounds of supplies for the six astronauts aboard the space station. Wired reported that a "typical haul" could include "a variety of toilet paper (the Russians prefer a rougher texture while the Americans opt for a softer touch), fresh socks, and most importantly, tortillas," as well as supplies for the crew's research projects. The Dragon capsule will return to Earth after a month in orbit.
Monday's mission marks SpaceX's 12th cargo run to the International Space Station, and, notably, the last time SpaceX will launch a brand new Dragon spacecraft. From here on out, the reusability-focused company plans to use only refurbished versions of this Dragon model.
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Tune in below shortly before 12:31 p.m. ET to catch the launch and landing. Becca Stanek
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