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SpaceX’s Dragon CRS-34 launches on May 13 with supplies and experiments for the International Space Station after months of delay
NASA and SpaceX confirmed on May 12, 2026, the launch of Dragon CRS-34, SpaceX’s 34th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), according to NASA. The launch of Dragon CRS-34 is scheduled for May 13 at 6:50 PM ET (Eastern Time), with docking at the ISS expected on May 14 at 7:35 AM ET.
According to the American space agency, the mission uses Falcon 9 from the SLC-40 platform in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Meanwhile, Dragon CRS-34 carries a cargo of scientific supplies, food, medical equipment, and microgravity experiments. According to the previous schedule, this is the 14th Dragon mission in 2026 — a record pace in the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program.
The Falcon 9 used is refurbished: the first stage has flown before, reducing unit costs. In comparison, SpaceX charges NASA about $165 million per CRS mission — well below Northrop Grumman’s $280 million for Cygnus missions. Therefore, SpaceX dominates more than 70% of ISS resupply missions since 2020.
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What’s inside Dragon CRS-34
Dragon CRS-34 carries about 2,500 kilograms of cargo, divided among crew supplies, space lab hardware, and scientific experiments. First, there are freeze-dried foods, fresh fruits, and personal items. Second, tools for solar panel repairs and the external cooling system travel.
According to Spaceflight Now, more than 20 scientific experiments from universities and companies travel in the capsule. Consequently, fields such as medicine, biotechnology, materials science, and fluid physics will be studied in microgravity.
Meanwhile, there are Brazilian experiments: the Federal University of ABC has a stem cell test platform, and Embraer sent metal alloy samples for behavior analysis in microgravity. Similarly, part of the American experiments investigates new antibiotics to combat resistant bacteria.
14th Dragon of 2026: high cadence and the post-ISS future
SpaceX sets a cadence record in 2026. According to the released schedule, the company has already conducted 13 Dragon missions before this one. First, there are 9 Crew Dragon missions still planned for the year. Second, there are 4 additional CRS missions until December.
According to NASA’s schedule, the ISS is expected to retire in January 2031. Consequently, new commercial space stations are expected to take over: Axiom Station (Axiom Space), Orbital Reef (Blue Origin + Sierra Space), and Starlab (Voyager Space + Airbus). On the other hand, China already operates the Tiangong with continuous rotating crew.
Meanwhile, Russia announced its withdrawal from the ISS by 2028 — gradually, module by module. Therefore, NASA needs to ensure reliable cargo cadence in the next 5 years while the transition to commercial orbit occurs. To understand the scale, this means 30+ Dragon missions still in the program.
Experiments on board: from cancer to lunar mining
Among the most notable experiments is a test of cancer immunotherapy in microgravity, conducted by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. First, T cells may behave differently without gravity, which could reveal paths for more effective therapies. Second, there are experiments in 3D bioprinting of living tissues.
Similarly, Northrop Grumman sent test modules for autonomous lunar mining systems. According to the Artemis program schedule, water ice mining in lunar craters begins in 2029. Consequently, prior validation in microgravity is a mandatory step.
- May 13 at 6:50 PM ET — launch
- May 14 at 7:35 AM ET — ISS docking
- 34th CRS mission by SpaceX since 2012
- 2,500 kg estimated cargo
- 20+ scientific experiments
- Reused Falcon 9 with reused first stage
The reused Falcon 9: cost savings that changed the industry
The first stage of the Falcon 9 used in CRS-34 has flown more than 5 previous missions. Consequently, SpaceX saves about $30 million per reuse. Therefore, the entire space industry was forced to develop reusable launchers to compete.
According to analysis by SpaceNews, today there are more than 15 reusable launchers in development worldwide, including China’s Long March 9, Rocket Lab’s Neutron, and Blue Origin’s New Glenn. Similarly, European and Japanese government agencies have parallel projects.
In comparison, before the SpaceX era, the average cost of launching 1 kg to low orbit was $20,000. Today, the Falcon 9 has reduced it to $2,700. Consequently, dozens of viable companies have emerged — from Planet Labs (Earth imaging) to satellite internet startups competing with Starlink.
Implication for Brazil and national space startups
For Brazil, SpaceX’s high cadence matters for several reasons. First, the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) has already established partnerships for experiments with NASA. Second, Brazilian startups like Lunasonde and Stellaris have indirect access to the ISS via American university consortia.
According to official data, Brazil invests about $100 million/year in the space program — far below NASA’s $25 billion. On the other hand, international partnerships allow Brazilian researchers to send experiments at no direct cost. Similarly, this strengthens the aerospace engineering university base.
Caveat: weather and launch window
Although all conditions are aligned, space launches depend on the weather. First, cold fronts in Florida can delay the mission by up to 48 hours. Second, winds at altitudes above 100 km/h interrupt the countdown.
According to NOAA’s forecast, there is a 70% chance of clear skies in Cape Canaveral on May 13. Similarly, the launch window is instantaneous — failing at the exact time results in at least a one-day delay. Other launch coverage is available in the Click Petróleo e Gás archive. Will SpaceX hit 17 Dragon missions in a single year?
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