SpaceX launched the CRS-33 Dragon mission to the ISS from Cape Canaveral on Sunday.
This launch marked the 50th Dragon visit since the spacecraft’s first resupply mission in May 2012.
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic.
SpaceX expects the Dragon to autonomously dock with the ISS on Monday after a 28-hour flight.
Mission Delivers Supplies and Science
CRS-33 carries 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of food, experiments, and essential supplies for the ISS crew.
Officials emphasized the mission also supports critical scientific research for human space exploration.
Astronauts will conduct 50 experiments addressing health, biology, and spaceflight challenges.
Heidi Parris, ISS Program associate scientist, explained researchers will test whether blocking a protein reduces astronaut bone loss.
The mission may improve long-term astronaut health and inform future interplanetary missions.
Reboost and Future Operations
Sunday’s flight marked the first-stage booster’s seventh launch and Dragon’s third resupply mission.
In September, NASA will use Dragon to reboost the ISS and adjust its orbit.
Bill Spetch, ISS Operations Integration Manager, explained the station’s altitude decreases slowly due to atmospheric drag.
NASA contracted SpaceX to provide reboost capability to maintain station operations.
SpaceX expects Dragon to return to Earth no earlier than December, carrying completed experiments and equipment.
