NASA and SpaceX are set to launch an exciting mission aimed at delivering crucial science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch is scheduled for 2:45 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 24, marking the 33rd SpaceX commercial resupply services mission for NASA. This mission is part of an ongoing partnership that enhances scientific research in space.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, packed with over 5,000 pounds of supplies, will be launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Following the launch, Dragon is expected to autonomously dock with the ISS at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25.
Interested viewers can watch the launch and arrival coverage on various platforms, including NASA+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. NASA also provides guidance on how to access its content through social media and other platforms.
This mission isn't just about delivering supplies; it also focuses on advancing scientific research. Among the significant experiments aboard Dragon are:
Bone-forming stem cells to study bone loss prevention. Materials for 3D printing medical implants that could improve treatments for nerve damage on Earth. Bioprinted liver tissue to investigate blood vessel development in microgravity. Supplies to 3D print metal cubes in space.Research conducted on the ISS contributes to future space exploration initiatives, including NASA's Artemis missions to the Moon and upcoming astronaut missions to Mars. Additionally, Dragon will perform a reboost demonstration to maintain the ISS's altitude, utilizing an independent propellant system located in its trunk.
The Dragon spacecraft will remain attached to the ISS until December, when it will return to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast. Here’s a brief overview of the mission timeline (all times in Eastern and subject to change):
Tuesday, August 19, 1 p.m.: Science Webinar featuring experts from NASA and various institutions. Friday, August 22, 11:30 a.m.: Prelaunch media teleconference with key participants from NASA and SpaceX. Sunday, August 24, 2:25 a.m.: Launch coverage begins on NASA+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. 2:45 a.m.: Launch of the Falcon 9 rocket. Monday, August 25, 6 a.m.: Arrival coverage begins. 7:30 a.m.: Dragon docks with the ISS.NASA will provide live mission coverage on its website, including streaming and blog updates starting at 2:25 a.m. on launch day. On-demand video and photos will be available shortly after liftoff. For those interested in participating, NASA offers a virtual guest program that includes curated launch resources and notifications about related opportunities.
Follow the mission’s progress and share your excitement on social media platforms. Connect with NASA's accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated:
X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASASocial, @Space_Station, @ISS_CASIS Facebook: NASA, NASAKennedy, ISS, ISS National Lab Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @ISS, @ISSNationalLabNasa also provides a Spanish section called NASA en Español for additional mission coverage. You can find updates on social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
For more information about this mission, visit NASA’s official mission page.
For media inquiries, contact:
Joshua Finch: Headquarters, Washington - 202-358-1100 - joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov Steven Siceloff: Kennedy Space Center, Fla. - 321-876-2468 - steven.p.siceloff@nasa.gov