SpaceX Sends Hawaiian Shrimp To International Space Station

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched a Dragon cargo spacecraft carrying 6,500 kilograms of supplies and scientific experiments to the International Space Station on 13 October, including live Hawaiian shrimp for a student-led research project.

The CRS-35 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 40 before dawn on the U.S. East Coast, placing the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The mission is expected to dock with the station on 15 October, according to The Universe Space Tech.

Among the cargo are live shrimp of the species Halocaridina rubra, which will take part in the SCAMPI experiment. The project, developed by 51 students from universities around the world, will study the animals in weightlessness.

The spacecraft is also carrying supplies for astronauts and materials for other experiments. The mission was initially prepared for an August launch before being postponed until October after repairs to a damaged launch pad in Kazakhstan were completed.