A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully returned to Earth on May 25, 2025, concluding its 32nd commercial resupply services (CRS-32) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA. The unpiloted spacecraft splashed down off the coast of California at approximately 1:44 a.m. EDT, marking the end of its journey.
The Dragon spacecraft, which undocked from the ISS on May 23, carried back approximately 6,700 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments. These experiments were designed to leverage the unique microgravity environment of the space station. The return and re-entry created a sonic boom that was heard across Southern California.
This mission highlights SpaceX's ongoing role in space cargo delivery and the advancement of reusable spacecraft technology. The Dragon spacecraft is the only operational spacecraft capable of returning significant cargo to Earth, which is crucial for ongoing scientific research and development in space. The successful return underscores the progress in making space missions more frequent and cost-effective.
Some of the scientific hardware and samples Dragon returned to Earth include MISSE-20 (Multipurpose International Space Station Experiment), which exposed various materials to space, and Astrobee-REACCH (Responsive Engaging Arms for Captive Care and Handling).
SpaceX alerted the public beforehand that Dragon would "announce its arrival with a brief sonic boom" before landing.
Based on materials from: www.nasa.gov, www.spacex.com, and CBS News