1-minute read

Lifting off at 6:33 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the CRS-35 mission produced an expanding plume of exhaust gases illuminated by sunlight high above the still-dark landscape. The effect was a brilliant, colorful “space jellyfish.”

Lakeland resident David Guest and his family were among those taking in the view before school.

“We love the launches, especially the jelly fish clouds,” Guest said. “We stood in amazement as usual, but this launch was possibly the prettiest formation we have seen. We also laughed, with my wife saying, ‘Imagine people that aren’t from Florida seeing this!’”

The mission marked SpaceX’s 35th commercial resupply flight to the International Space Station. According to NASA, the spacecraft is carrying more than 6,300 pounds of supplies and equipment, including scientific experiments.

David Guest’s daughter watches the ‘space jellyfish’ before school. | Courtesy of David Guest
View of ‘space jellyfish’ over Lakeland on Oct. 13, 2026 | Courtesy of David Guest
View of ‘space jellyfish’ gasses dispersing in the morning sky over Lakeland. | Barry Friedman

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Sarah is a freelance writer and reporter for LkldNow, covering education news and community initiatives across Polk County. A resident of the area for 25 years, her work draws on her diverse background spanning more than two decades teaching in K-12 and higher education, grant writing, and academic publishing. Alongside her writing, she is a dedicated yoga teacher.

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