Cape Canaveral, Florida — NASA and SpaceX are set to launch their 33rd commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) early Sunday, August 24. The Dragon spacecraft, carrying over 5,000 pounds of scientific equipment and crew supplies, will lift off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Autonomous docking is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. EDT on Monday, August 25, linking Dragon to the Harmony module of the ISS.
What’s on board:
- Stem cell research focused on bone formation in microgravity
- Bioprinted liver tissue for vascular studies
- Materials for 3D printing medical implants and metal structures in orbit
These experiments support NASA’s Artemis program and offer potential breakthroughs for Earth-based medicine.
Orbital boost demo:
Dragon will also test a new reboost system to help maintain the ISS’s altitude. Using independent propellant and Draco engines, the system will initiate periodic burns starting in September.
How to watch:
NASA’s launch and docking coverage will stream live on NASA+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and social media platforms. Viewers can also register as virtual guests to receive curated updates and a digital launch passport.
Coverage schedule (EDT):
- August 22, 11:30 a.m. — Prelaunch media teleconference
- August 24, 2:25 a.m. — Launch coverage begins
- August 25, 6:00 a.m. — Arrival coverage begins
Spanish-language updates will be available via NASA en Español across its social channels.