SpaceX’s CRS-22 Cargo Dragon mission was successful Thursday. The capsule is expected to dock at the International Space Station early Saturday morning.
The mission marked SpaceX’s fourth Dragon spacecraft launch in six months, which included the transport of both crew and cargo to ISS.
Thursday’s cargo included some interesting items. In addition to 7,200 pounds of food for astronauts at the station, SpaceX also delivered thousands of tiny sea creatures to be used for experiments. Around 20,000 tardigrades, better known as water bears, will be studied to understand the stress caused by space. Tardigrades can survive in drastic environments, such as the vacuum of space.
The delivery will also include supplies for a plaque-fighting toothpaste experiment and a new powerful array of solar panels.
SpaceX’s cargo business is booming. If all goes to plan, the company could complete as many as 12 Dragon missions in the next 24 months.
Watch the launch broadcast below.