NASA’s Space X CRS-35 Launch Jellyfish
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched NASA’s 35th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station on Oct. 13, 2026, producing a visible jellyfish-like exhaust plume.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:33 a.m. EDT on Oct. 13, 2026, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch carried a Dragon spacecraft bound for the International Space Station as part of NASA’s 35th commercial resupply mission. The rocket’s exhaust plumes were illuminated by sunlight, creating a glowing shape resembling a jellyfish visible across the eastern United States.
The visual phenomenon occurred near sunrise, when exhaust plumes from the rocket became brightly lit against the sky. This effect is commonly referred to as a “jellyfish” due to its distinctive shape and glow. The Dragon spacecraft carried scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment for the space station’s crew.
NASA announced that the uncrewed Dragon spacecraft was scheduled to rendezvous with and dock to the International Space Station on Oct. 15. Live coverage of the rendezvous and docking began at 9:15 a.m. EDT, providing real-time updates for the public and mission teams.
The mission marked SpaceX’s 35th commercial resupply services flight for NASA, continuing a long-standing partnership in supporting the International Space Station with cargo and scientific payloads.