Spacecraft is carrying 6,500 pounds of supplies
SpaceX, under the leadership of entrepreneur Elon Musk, achieved a successful launch of a diverse cargo destined for the International Space Station (ISS).
The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a Dragon spacecraft loaded with 6,500 pounds of supplies, took off from the Kennedy Space Centre at 8:28 pm EST.
Marking the Commercial Resupply Service (CRS 29) mission, this was the rocket’s second mission following Crew-7. The launch demonstrated precise execution during both liftoff and landing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Landing Zone 1.
The payload encompasses a captivating assortment of holiday treats and essential supplies, featuring pumpkin spice cappuccinos, chocolates, cranberry sauce, turkey, pizza kits, fresh produce, and specialty cheeses. Notably, the cargo includes a replacement tool bag lost in a recent spacewalk, underscoring the mission’s practical importance.
In addition to the festive items, the cargo holds various scientific payloads, including the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE), which investigates gravity waves and their influence on space weather.
GCC Nations Launching Schengen-Like Visa System For Tourists And Visitors To Promote Tourism
Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is gearing up to launch a consolidated visa system, similar to the Schengen arrangement, covering six member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Anticipated to be operational by 2024/2025, this unified visa will enable travelers to explore all six nations with a single visa.
The announcement, made during the 40th meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman, was lauded by GCC Secretary General Jassim Al Budaiwi as a “new achievement,” highlighting the strong collaboration and strategic direction of GCC leaders.
The unified Gulf tourist visa aims to simplify and streamline movement for both residents and tourists across the six GCC countries, promising positive impacts on the economic and tourism sectors.
