A SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule is set to undock from the International Space Station today at 12:05 p.m. EST (5:05 p.m. GMT). This marks the end of its six-month mission, during which it brought vital supplies to astronauts and showcased new capabilities.
The Dragon capsule, part of the NASA Commercial Resupply Services program, delivered around 5,000 pounds (approximately 2,270 kilograms) of supplies during its stay. SpaceX has now completed 33 such missions for NASA.
During its time at the ISS, the Dragon demonstrated a significant new ability: it helped reboost the station’s altitude. This process counters atmospheric drag, essential for the station’s long-term sustainability. Traditionally, this task fell to Russia’s Progress freighter, but with ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, having alternatives like the Dragon could be crucial.
NASA officials noted, “Dragon performed six reboosts—five in January 2025 and a final one just before it undocked.” This capability highlights the increasing role of commercial spacecraft in maintaining space operations.
The Dragon capsule also carried out experiments while docked. It returned samples from the Euro Material Aging study, which looked at how various materials degrade in space. Additionally, it fetched results from Thailand’s Liquid Crystals experiment, focusing on stability in microgravity. Insights from these studies could lead to advancements in spacecraft durability and electronics.
For its safe return, the Dragon is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California on February 27 at around 2:44 a.m. EST (7:44 a.m. GMT). Unlike its launch and docking, this reentry won’t be livestreamed.
These missions not only provide essential supplies but also contribute valuable knowledge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. As commercial spacecraft like Dragon evolve, they share the responsibility of keeping the ISS and future missions operating smoothly.
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