SpaceX launched the CRS-33 mission from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, marking Dragon’s 50th trip to the ISS.
The first Dragon visit occurred in May 2012 during a resupply demonstration flight.
After stage separation, the first-stage booster successfully landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX confirmed Dragon will autonomously dock with the ISS on Monday after a 28-hour journey.
Resupply Mission With Scientific Focus
The CRS-33 mission carries 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) of food, equipment, and experiments for astronauts.
SpaceX officials emphasized this mission goes beyond resupply by enabling critical scientific studies.
Researchers plan 50 experiments designed to support future human space exploration.
Heidi Parris, ISS Program scientist, explained research testing whether blocking a specific protein reduces space-related bone loss.
The mission will help assess bone health changes astronauts face in microgravity.
Future Operations and Space Station Support
Sunday’s launch marked Dragon’s third flight for a resupply mission and the booster’s seventh overall mission.
In September, NASA and SpaceX will use Dragon to reboost the ISS, raising its orbit.
Bill Spetch, ISS Operations Integration Manager, said SpaceX contracted to provide reboost capability years ago.
He explained the station’s altitude gradually decreases due to thin atmospheric drag.
NASA officials confirmed Dragon will return to Earth no earlier than December.
