SpaceX launched the CRS-33 mission from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, sending a Dragon spacecraft to the ISS.
This flight marked the 50th Dragon visit to the space station since its first in May 2012.
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic.
SpaceX confirmed the Dragon will autonomously dock with the ISS on Monday after a 28-hour journey.
Mission Delivers Supplies and Key Experiments
The CRS-33 mission carries 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of food, equipment, and research materials to astronauts onboard.
Officials emphasized the mission’s scientific importance, highlighting 50 different studies critical for human space exploration.
Researchers will investigate bone health by testing whether blocking a specific protein can reduce bone loss in astronauts.
NASA program scientist Heidi Parris explained that the experiment could improve astronaut health during long-duration missions.
This Dragon flight represented the booster’s seventh launch and the spacecraft’s third mission supporting resupply.
Future Operations and Return Plan
In September, NASA will use this Dragon to reboost the space station’s altitude.
Bill Spetch, ISS Operations Integration Manager, explained that atmospheric drag slowly lowers the station’s orbit.
NASA contracted SpaceX to provide altitude-boosting capabilities for the ISS in future missions.
The Dragon spacecraft will remain docked for months before returning to Earth no earlier than December.
