Falcon 9 Block 5 | Dragon CRS-2 SpX-35

### SpaceX's Falcon 9 Prepares for CRS-2 SpX-35: Resupplying the ISS in 2026

On August 31, 2026, SpaceX is set to launch its 35th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA's second Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) contract. Designated as Dragon CRS-2 SpX-35, this flight will utilize the reliable Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket to deliver essential cargo via the Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft. As SpaceX continues to solidify its role in routine space logistics, this mission exemplifies the maturation of commercial spaceflight, bridging human presence in low Earth orbit with broader exploratory ambitions.

At the heart of SpX-35 are its mission objectives: to transport supplies, scientific experiments, and hardware to sustain the ISS crew and advance research. The Cargo Dragon 2, an uncrewed variant of the Crew Dragon, boasts impressive payload capabilities, capable of carrying up to 3,310 kilograms (7,300 pounds) of pressurized cargo and 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) of unpressurized items. This includes food, clothing, and life-support materials for the astronauts, alongside specialized payloads like biological samples, advanced robotics components, and instruments for microgravity experiments. Notable for this flight could be investigations into plant growth in space, which support long-duration missions by exploring sustainable food production, or studies on human physiology to mitigate health risks for future Mars voyages. The spacecraft's autonomous docking system ensures precise attachment to the ISS's Harmony module, allowing for efficient cargo transfer without manual intervention.

The Falcon 9 Block 5, the workhorse behind this launch, represents the pinnacle of reusable rocket technology. Standing 70 meters (230 feet) tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters (12 feet), it features two stages powered by Merlin engines: nine on the first stage for liftoff thrust of 7,607 kilonewtons (1.7 million pounds-force), and a single vacuum-optimized Merlin on the second stage. Constructed primarily from aluminum-lithium alloy, the rocket incorporates grid fins for controlled descent and landing legs for reusability, enabling first-stage recovery on drone ships or land pads. This design iteration, introduced in 2018, emphasizes durability, with boosters capable of up to 20 flights after refurbishment, significantly reducing costs compared to expendable rockets.

Falcon 9's performance history underscores its reliability