A Falcon 9 rocket launch Thursday will be a scientific mission on a number of fronts.

  • SpaceX using recycled Dragon capsule for Thursday's launch
  • Several scientific projects headed to ISS on board the Dragon
  • Launch window opens at 5:55 p.m.
  • RELATED: Rocket Launch Schedule

SpaceX will, for the first time, use a recycled Dragon capsule launch. The private space company has successfully sent a reused rocket booster into space, but this is the first time SpaceX has used a capsule, which carries cargo and scientific experiments to the International Space Station.

The Dragon used on this flight first flew to the ISS in 2014. The refurbishment included a new heat shield and fresh parachutes. SpaceX is trying to reuse as much of the vehicles as possible as a way to save money on flights. 

The Dragon will be packed with 6,000 pounds of cargo, including several scientific and medical projects.

Among the new technology on board is a new type of solar array that is lighter and better able to be stored. The hope is the Roll-out Solar Array will provide power for future NASA space vehicles for operations near the moon, or for missions to Mars and beyond.

Dragon is also sending mice to the ISS to help test a new drug to help rebuild bone and block further bone loss from osteoporosis while in space. But the results could also lead to new drugs to treat bone density loss for millions on Earth as well.

Fruit flies are also going to the ISS to study cardiovascular changes in space. The flies have a genetic make-up with similarities to humans. They also age rapidly, which makes them a good model to study in microgravity. 

The Dragon is the only unmanned supply ship that returns to Earth; the others are filled with trash and burn up on re-entry.

The Falcon 9 rocket is expected to lift off from Launch Complex 39-A at Kenendy Space Center.

Weather is 70 percent go for launch at 5:55 p.m.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.