SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the 33rd Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-33) mission on August 24, 2025, at 2:45 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft is en route to the International Space Station (ISS) carrying a payload exceeding 5,000 pounds, which includes essential crew provisions, vital equipment, and a variety of scientific investigations.
A significant feature of this mission is the inclusion of a "boost trunk" equipped with an independent propellant system and Draco engines. This system is designed to perform orbital reboosts of the ISS, a capability that will help sustain the station's altitude through a series of planned burns commencing in September 2025. This function is increasingly important as NASA plans for the eventual end of the ISS's operational life and aims to reduce reliance on Russian Progress vehicles for station-keeping.
The scientific cargo aboard CRS-33 is extensive, focusing on advancements in biomedical and physical sciences, alongside technology demonstrations and student-led projects. Among the experiments are studies on bone-forming stem cells to combat bone loss, materials for 3D printing medical implants intended for nerve damage treatment, and bioprinted liver tissue to investigate blood vessel development in microgravity. These investigations hold promise for improving astronaut health during long-duration spaceflights and advancing medical treatments on Earth, potentially aiding in organ transplantation therapies.
The Dragon spacecraft is expected to autonomously dock with the ISS on August 25, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m. EDT, attaching to the forward port of the Harmony module. It is scheduled to remain docked for approximately three months, during which it will conduct its orbital reboost duties. This mission underscores the strong partnership between NASA and SpaceX, which is crucial for the continuous delivery of critical supplies and the advancement of scientific research aboard the orbiting laboratory.