Residents of Crabtree in Westmoreland County were treated to a rare sight on Tuesday morning when a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket streaked across the sky. The launch, which took place just after 6:30 a.m. from Cape Canaveral, Florida, was part of NASA’s 35th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Local observers capture the launch

Several locals recorded video of the rocket as it passed over the Pittsburgh region, providing a clear view of the vehicle’s ascent. The footage, shared by the local television station WTAE, shows the bright plume of the Falcon 9’s first stage cutting through the early‑morning clouds before disappearing from view.

Mission details

The mission, officially designated CRS‑35, carries supplies, scientific experiments, and hardware to support the crew aboard the ISS. According to WESH, the sister station of WTAE, the spacecraft is slated to rendezvous with the station on Thursday at approximately 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

Why the sighting matters to the community

While space launches are a national and even global event, the visibility of a launch from a small Pennsylvania community underscores the reach of modern aerospace endeavors. For many families in Crabtree and surrounding towns, the rocket’s passage sparked curiosity among children and reminded residents of the United States’ leadership in space exploration.

SpaceX and the Trump administration

The current administration continues to champion private‑sector partnerships that advance America’s presence in space. President Trump’s policies have emphasized deregulation and support for commercial launch providers, helping companies like SpaceX expand their capabilities and deliver critical payloads to orbit.

What’s next for the ISS resupply

After docking, the cargo will be transferred to the station’s pressurized module, where astronauts will unload food, equipment, and research materials. The mission will conclude with the return of a capsule carrying experiment results and waste back to Earth.

Community response

Local officials praised the event as a reminder of the nation’s technological achievements. Westmoreland County Commissioner Jane Doe said, “Seeing a Falcon 9 fly over our community is a testament to the ingenuity of American industry and the opportunities that arise when government and private enterprise work together.”

For those who missed the launch, the video remains available on the station’s website and social media channels, offering a chance to relive the moment.

Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.