SpaceX CRS-34 Cargo Mission Launches Successfully, 6,500 Pounds Bound for ISS
Summary: A SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying a Dragon 2 cargo spacecraft launched successfully on May 15 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, delivering approximately 6,500 pounds (≈2,950 kg) of scientific experiments, supplies, and provisions to the International Space Station. The mission had been delayed twice previously due to unfavorable weather conditions over the Atlantic.
Mission Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission | CRS-34 (SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services, Mission 34) |
| Operator | SpaceX |
| Vehicle | Falcon 9 |
| Spacecraft | Dragon 2 (Cargo variant), ~6,500 lb payload |
| Launch Time | May 15, 2026 11:04 EDT (15:04 UTC) |
| Launch Site | Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A |
| Status | Success — Dragon en route to ISS |
Launch History
The CRS-34 mission faced a曲折 path to orbit, with its launch window scrubbed twice due to Atlantic weather constraints:
- First scrub: Originally scheduled for May 12, cancelled due to weather
- Second scrub: May 13 attempt also cancelled due to weather conditions failing launch criteria
- Final launch: May 15, weather conditions improved; launch at 11:04 EDT (15:04 UTC)
Approximately 8 minutes after liftoff, Dragon separated from the Falcon 9 second stage and began its autonomous flight to the ISS. Dragon is scheduled to dock with the station's Harmony module roughly 36 hours after launch.
Science Payload
The CRS-34 cargo includes scientific experiments spanning life sciences, materials science, and space environment monitoring. Upon completion of its supply mission, Dragon will return to Earth carrying experiment samples from the space station.