Falcon 9 Rocket Ready for SpaceX CRS-16

A Falcon 9 rocket stands ready for liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 to boost a SpaceX Dragon resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 1:16 p.m. EST, on Dec. 5, 2018. On its 16th commercial resupply services mission to the space station, Dragon will deliver several science investigations to the space station, including the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation lidar (GEDI). GEDI will provide high-quality laser ranging observations of the Earth’s forests and topography required to advance the understanding of important carbon and water cycling processes, biodiversity and habitat.

Photo credit: NASA