BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – NASA, Northrop Grumman and SpaceX launched a cargo mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, according to NASA officials.
The launch happened at 12:07 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the Cygnus cargo spacecraft, with over 8,200 pounds of supplies into orbit.
According to NASA, some of the highlights of the research aboard the ISS included:
- The first surgical robot on the space station
- An orbit re-entry platform that collects thermal protection systems data
- A 3D cartilage cell culture that maintains healthy cartilage in lower gravity settings
- The MSTIC facility, which is an autonomous semiconductor manufacturing platform
- A metal 3D printer to test the capability for printing small metal parts
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The first stage of the rocket booster landed back at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, leading to sonic booms.
The spacecraft is expected to arrive at the ISS on Thursday, Feb. 1. It’s the 20th mission for Northrup Grumman to the station.
It’s also the 10th launch for SpaceX this year.
[WATCH THE LAUNCH AND LANDING BELOW]
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: