A SpaceX Cargo Dragon is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) today, May 22, after spending approximately one month attached to the orbital laboratory. This undocking event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between NASA and SpaceX, showcasing advancements in commercial spaceflight.
NASA will provide a livestream of the undocking on its NASA+ streaming platform, allowing space enthusiasts and the general public to witness this remarkable moment in real-time. For those seeking a high-definition experience, Sen's 4k 24/7 cameras mounted on the exterior of the station will also be broadcasting the action. The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to undock at 12:05 p.m. EDT (1605 GMT), with NASA's coverage commencing 20 minutes prior to the event.
After safely maneuvering a distance away from the ISS, the Dragon will initiate a series of deorbit burns. These maneuvers are designed to set the spacecraft on a return trajectory for a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, May 23. While there will be no livestream coverage of the splashdown itself, NASA is expected to provide updates on the agency's ISS blog, ensuring that followers remain informed about the mission’s conclusion.
This mission, referred to as CRS-32, represents the 32nd cargo resupply mission that SpaceX has conducted under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program. CRS-32 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 21, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft docked with the zenith port of the Harmony module just one day later, successfully delivering approximately 6,700 pounds (3,040 kilograms) of essential supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS.
In addition to delivering a wealth of supplies, the Dragon spacecraft will return cargo back to Earth. Among the items being transported back are exterior material samples from NASA's Multipurpose International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-20). The capsule also houses an Astrobee robot, the REACCH (Responsive Engaging Arms for Captive Care and Handling) technology demonstration, and a variety of other experiments.
Furthermore, the Dragon will be filled with assorted rotational items from the ISS stores, along with non-recyclables designated for disposal. Currently, the Dragon is the only operational cargo vehicle capable of executing two-way deliveries to and from the ISS. In contrast, other cargo vehicles such as Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft and Russia's Progress vehicle are designed to burn up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere, which limits their operational capabilities.
As SpaceX continues to play a pivotal role in resupplying the ISS, the successful completion of the CRS-32 mission highlights the importance of commercial partnerships in advancing space exploration.
