SpaceX launched the CRS-33 mission to the ISS on Sunday from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The Dragon spacecraft marked its 50th visit to the station since its debut in May 2012.
After stage separation, the Falcon 9’s first stage landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic.
SpaceX officials confirmed Dragon will dock autonomously with the ISS on Monday after a 28-hour journey.
Supplies and Research Delivered
CRS-33 carries 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of food, equipment, and scientific experiments for astronauts on board.
SpaceX officials emphasized the mission’s role in advancing long-term human space exploration.
The spacecraft supports 50 experiments, including medical studies focused on astronaut health in orbit.
ISS Program scientist Heidi Parris explained that researchers will test whether blocking a protein can reduce bone loss in astronauts.
The mission also marks the first stage booster’s seventh flight and Dragon’s third resupply operation.
Future Plans and Space Station Boost
In September, SpaceX will use Dragon to reboost the ISS by adjusting its orbital altitude.
ISS operations manager Bill Spetch confirmed NASA contracted SpaceX to provide reboost capability.
He explained the station’s altitude slowly decreases over time due to thin atmospheric drag.
The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to remain in orbit until returning to Earth no earlier than December.
