SpaceX launched the CRS-33 mission to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral on Sunday.
The mission marked the 50th time a Dragon spacecraft visited the ISS since its first trip in May 2012.
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic.
SpaceX officials confirmed the Dragon spacecraft will autonomously dock with the ISS after a 28-hour journey.
Resupply Mission With Critical Research
The CRS-33 mission carries 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of food, experiments, and supplies for the ISS crew.
Officials emphasized this mission delivers more than cargo, supporting vital research for future human space exploration.
Astronauts will conduct 50 scientific investigations aboard the station during this mission.
Researchers will test whether blocking a protein that promotes bone loss reduces bone deterioration in microgravity.
Heidi Parris, ISS Program scientist, explained the study may improve astronaut health during long-duration missions.
Looking Ahead to New Capabilities
Sunday’s flight marked the first-stage booster’s seventh launch and Dragon’s third resupply mission.
In September, NASA will use the Dragon spacecraft to raise the ISS altitude during a reboost maneuver.
Bill Spetch, ISS Operations Integration Manager, explained the station’s altitude decays due to atmospheric drag.
NASA contracted SpaceX to provide this reboost capability as part of long-term ISS operations.
The Dragon spacecraft will return to Earth no earlier than December, carrying completed experiments and equipment.
