Dragon

 

SpaceX's CRS-33 mission, launched August 24, 2025, marked the longest Dragon docking at 185 days, delivering over 5,000 pounds of NASA supplies, hardware, and experiments like tissue engineering and the Canadian Bio-Monitor for vital signs monitoring.

The spacecraft undocked from the ISS on ET, performing critical orbit boosts during its stay before splashing down off California that evening with 1,220 kg of returned scientific samples.

The post's image shows Dragon against Earth's cloudy horizon, underscoring the mission's role in advancing microgravity research for medicine and technology, with no reported issues in real-time coverage.

SpaceX's Cargo Dragon for the 33rd Commercial Resupply Services mission undocked from the ISS on February 26, 2026, at 12:05 p.m. ET, after delivering 5,000 pounds of supplies and experiments since August 2025.

This mission pioneered Dragon's use for ISS reboosts, executing six maneuvers to maintain orbital altitude against atmospheric drag, reducing reliance on Russian Progress vehicles amid geopolitical uncertainties.

The returning spacecraft carries key science payloads, including 141 material samples from Europe's aging study and Thai liquid crystal experiments, set for Pacific Ocean splashdown off California on February 27 at approximately 2:44 a.m. ET.

SpaceX's Cargo Dragon mission introduced a modified trunk with independent Draco engines, enabling six docked reboosts that delivered 9.034 m/s of delta-v to the ISS, countering atmospheric drag and maintaining orbital altitude.

This capability, first demonstrated in late 2024 and refined through 2025 tests, reduces reliance on Russian Progress vehicles for station reboosts amid geopolitical shifts, with NASA's September 2025 blog confirming its role in sustaining the ISS until 2030.

The total velocity boost equates to offsetting roughly 3-6 months of drag-induced decay, per orbital mechanics data, providing valuable telemetry for future deorbit maneuvers using an enhanced Dragon variant.

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft on the CRS-33 resupply mission demonstrated a novel independent reboost system using two Draco thrusters in its modified trunk, performing six burns to deliver 9.034 m/s of delta-v to the ISS and preserve the station's altitude against atmospheric drag.

This capability, introduced for the first time, offloads propulsion demands from the ISS's aging thrusters, enhancing operational efficiency; the mission launched in late January 2026 and undocked on February 26, marking a step toward more autonomous cargo operations.

By enabling docked spacecraft to handle routine altitude maintenance, the feature could extend ISS lifespan and inform designs for future orbital habitats, reducing reliance on ground-controlled maneuvers as evidenced by NASA's integration in recent resupply contracts.

SpaceX's CRS-33 Cargo Dragon undocked from the ISS at 12:05 p.m. EST on February 26, 2026, after a six-month mission delivering supplies and conducting experiments.

The spacecraft returns over 4,000 pounds of scientific cargo, including samples from U.S., Thai, and French researchers, captured in a video showing the docking port release and initial drift against Earth's backdrop.

Four precise departure burns, each at 0.2 m/s, ensure safe separation with 1 m/s total delta-V; splashdown is targeted for 8-9 p.m. PT off Baja California, marking SpaceX's 98% success rate in Dragon returns.

This post announces the reentry of SpaceX's CRS-33 Cargo Dragon, undocked from the ISS on February 26, 2026, carrying over 5,000 pounds of science experiments and supplies after a mission that boosted the station's orbit.

The anticipated sonic boom occurs as the capsule decelerates from hypersonic speeds through the atmosphere, typically audible within 50 miles of the Pacific splashdown site near San Diego around 11:45 p.m. PT.

The accompanying map visualizes the flight trajectory from reentry over the central U.S. to the recovery zone, emphasizing precise engineering for safe ocean landing and rapid crew/cargo retrieval.

SpaceX's CRS-33 Dragon cargo spacecraft, undocked from the ISS after delivering 5,700 pounds of supplies and performing a record reboost, targets splashdown off San Diego at 11:45 p.m. PT on February 26, 2026.

Carrying back 6,600 pounds of science payloads, including experiments on human health and fluid dynamics, the mission supports NASA's ongoing microgravity research with over 250 investigations completed.

The reentry path creates a visible plasma trail and sonic boom for coastal observers, showcasing SpaceX's refined West Coast recovery operations that reduce turnaround time for future launches.