SpaceX launched its 33rd commercial resupply mission (CRS-33) to the International Space Station in late August 2025. The Dragon cargo spacecraft carried about 5,000 pounds of science and supplies, according to SpaceX.
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The mission carried a boost trunk, a section attached to the back of the Dragon. It holds two SpaceX Draco thrusters, propellant tanks and helium. The system is designed to help raise the station’s orbit, which decays slowly because of atmospheric drag.
Until now, most of that work has been done by Russian Progress cargo ships, which deliver propellant and fire their own thrusters. NASA planned the first burn of the Dragon boost kit for early September, with more burns through the autumn. The Dragon was due to remain docked until December.
Science on board
The mission carried dozens of research investigations. Reports at the time described studies on the effects of microgravity on bone loss, a 3D metal printer for making spare parts in orbit, and research into bioprinting and 3D-printed medical devices.
Editor’s note: an earlier version of this article reproduced long passages of quoted material from other reports. It has been rewritten in summary form, with the sources listed below.
Sources
- SpaceX, CRS-33 mission page: https://www.spacex.com/launches/crs33