CRS-29 and Fresh Supplies and Experiments for the I.S.S.

Kennedy Space Center, FL - At 8:28pm (EST) Thursday, November 9, 2023, SpaceX launched a Cargo Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The CRS-29 mission is carrying over 6,000 pounds of science experiments and supplies to the International Space Station (I.S.S.). 

Among the experiments are a laser communications system, a respiratory system and a water filtration system. Once docked at the I.S.S., the Dragon capsule is expected to stay for at least one month before returning to Earth.

Approximately 8-minutes after launch, the Falcon 9 booster returned to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and made a successful landing at LZ-1 to be refurbished and flown again.

At the top of the streak, after main engine cutoff (MECO) and stage separation, the rocket exhaust creates a nebula-like feature in the sky not seen in daylight launches.

Low and slightly to the right in the center is the second stage rocket engine carrying the Cargo Dragon to space, and near the top, silhouetted against the nebula/exhaust is the Falcon 9 booster, orienting itself for the return to CCSFS. Images Credits: Michael Seeley and Graham Smith / We Report Space