It will launch on SpaceX Falcon Heavy rockets from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Dragon XL will stay at the Gateway for six to 12 months at a time, when research payloads inside and outside the cargo vessel could be operated remotely, even when crews are not present.[35] Its payload capacity is expected to be more than 5 t (5,000 kg; 11,000 lb) to lunar orbit.[36]