The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station as part of the CRS-35 resupply mission for NASA. The vessel spent over two days in flight before reaching the station on October 15. The docking procedure occurred at the Harmony module port while the ISS was orbiting over South Africa at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers.
The mission delivered over 2,860 kilograms of supplies to the orbital laboratory. The cargo manifest includes food, long-term storage provisions, and scientific equipment. Technical components delivered include replacement parts for the Canadarm2 robotic arm, a dosing pump for the toilet system, and a liquid quality sensor for the station's water processing system.
Dragon also transported a robotic tool for station maintenance and the final unit of eight upgraded solar arrays designed to boost the station's power capacity. During the approach, NASA astronaut Anil Menon monitored the automated procedures. The mission also carried a personal item for Menon, who celebrated his 50th birthday on the day of the docking.
Footage released during the mission highlighted the use of thrusters to adjust the spacecraft's trajectory during the final approach. According to reports, the technology utilized for these maneuvering procedures has been integrated into the development of the new Tesla Roadster.
