NASA and SpaceX are preparing for the 33rd commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for liftoff in the early hours of Sunday, August 24
The 33rd commercial resupply services mission will deliver over 5,000 pounds of science experiments, crew supplies, and hardware aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
Launch and docking schedule
The resupply services mission launch is expected for 2:45 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Following launch, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to dock autonomously to the ISS at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25. It will attach to the forward port of the Harmony module, continuing the long-standing partnership between NASA and SpaceX in supporting operations aboard the space station.
Watching the launch and the arrival
NASA will provide live coverage of the resupply services mission launch and docking across multiple platforms, including NASA+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and various social media channels. Launch coverage begins at 2:25 a.m. EDT on August 24, and arrival coverage starts at 6:00 a.m. EDT on August 25. The NASA website will also host live streaming, real-time blog updates, and on-demand video content following liftoff.
Scientific payloads on board
This resupply services mission brings several high-impact science experiments aimed at advancing human health and space exploration technologies. Highlights include:
- Bone-forming stem cells: Research into ways to prevent bone loss in space, with potential benefits for osteoporosis treatments on Earth.
- 3D printing of medical implants: Materials will be tested for printing medical implants that may one day assist in repairing nerve damage.
- Bioprinted liver tissue: Samples will be used to study how blood vessels develop in microgravity, which could improve organ regeneration techniques.
- 3D metal printing in microgravity: Supplies to experiment with fabricating metal cubes in space, contributing to future in-space manufacturing capabilities.
These investigations are designed not only to enhance life on Earth but also to support NASA’s future Artemis missions to the Moon and human missions to Mars.
Station altitude boost test
In addition to delivering cargo and experiments, this resupply services mission will perform a critical reboost demonstration to help maintain the ISS’s orbit. Dragon’s trunk contains an independent propulsion system, which will use two Draco engines to execute altitude-raising maneuvers. The boost kit, based on existing hardware, is expected to carry out multiple burns throughout fall 2025.
This reboost capability was first demonstrated during SpaceX’s 31st resupply mission in November 2024 and is part of ongoing efforts to prolong the station’s operational life.
Getting involved
Leading up to the launch, NASA is hosting events to highlight the mission’s scientific contributions. A science webinar featuring experts from NASA, Red Hat, Cedars-Sinai, and other institutions will be streamed live on Tuesday, August 19 at 1 p.m. EDT. A prelaunch media teleconference is also scheduled for Friday, August 22 at 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Members of the public can participate by registering as virtual guests through NASA’s website. The virtual guest experience includes curated content, launch updates, and a digital passport stamp to commemorate the event.
Dragon is expected to remain at the station until December, when it will return to Earth carrying completed experiments and cargo. Splashdown will occur in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.
For real-time updates, NASA encourages the public to follow the International Space Station blog and its social media channels.