Date: August 25, 2025
Location: International Space Station (ISS)
SpaceX’s uncrewed CRS-33 Cargo Dragon mission has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), delivering more than 5,000 pounds of supplies, research equipment, and a groundbreaking propulsion upgrade.
A Smooth Arrival
The Dragon capsule docked at the forward port of the Harmony module at approximately 7:05 a.m. ET, completing its 29-hour orbital journey. The docking took place ahead of schedule, highlighting SpaceX’s precise mission planning and flawless execution.
A New Boost Capability
This mission introduces a major first for the ISS. Dragon carried a new “boost kit” in its trunk, equipped with two Draco thrusters and its own fuel supply. Beginning in September, this kit will be used to raise the station’s orbit—an operation that has traditionally relied on Russian spacecraft. The new system aims to help maintain the ISS’s altitude more efficiently, marking a step toward greater operational independence.
Supplies and Science on Board
Alongside the boost system, Dragon brought vital cargo including food, station hardware, and a range of science experiments. Among the highlights are projects focused on 3D bioprinting of human liver tissue, advanced materials testing, and other microgravity research designed to expand scientific knowledge and support future space exploration.
Mission Highlights
- Launch: August 24, 2025, on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
- Docking: August 25, 2025, with the ISS.
- Milestone: The 33rd SpaceX resupply mission under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services program.
- Significance: About the 50th Dragon mission overall to the space station.
What’s Next
Dragon will remain docked until December 2025, supporting ongoing research and daily operations aboard the station. At the end of its mission, the spacecraft will return to Earth carrying completed experiments and equipment, making a controlled splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
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