{"id":789856,"date":"2026-02-26T08:18:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T08:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/789856\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T08:18:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T08:18:15","slug":"watch-spacex-dragon-cargo-capsule-head-for-home-today-after-historic-iss-boosting-mission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/789856\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule head for home today after historic ISS-boosting mission"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>NASA&#8217;s SpaceX 33rd Commercial Resupply Services Undocking &#8211; YouTube<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772093893_272_maxresdefault.jpg\" alt=\"NASA's SpaceX 33rd Commercial Resupply Services Undocking - YouTube\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"watch-on-youtube-hgt3Hnj4Xr8\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/hgt3Hnj4Xr8\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/hgt3Hnj4Xr8\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"noopener\">Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"25f15d07-4ca5-4677-b7dd-f68e4294bb91\">A SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule will undock from the International Space Station today (Feb. 26), and you can watch its departure live.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The robotic <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18852-spacex-dragon.html\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18852-spacex-dragon.html\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18852-spacex-dragon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dragon<\/a> is expected to depart today at 12:05 p.m. EST (1705 GMT), ending a roughly six-month orbital stay during which it demonstrated a novel ISS-boosting capability.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">You can watch undocking live here at Space.com courtesy of NASA, or directly <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hgt3Hnj4Xr8\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hgt3Hnj4Xr8\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"noopener\">via the space agency<\/a>. Coverage will begin at 11:45 a.m. EST (1645 GMT).<\/p>\n<p>            You may like<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/m2VW9ygQcQaXuvdw7KHi7i.jpg\" alt=\"closeup, front-on view of a conical white space capsule with earth in the background\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/m2VW9ygQcQaXuvdw7KHi7i.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/m2VW9ygQcQaXuvdw7KHi7i.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>SpaceX&#8217;s robotic CRS-33 Dragon cargo capsule approaches the International Space Station for docking on Aug. 25, 2025. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p id=\"c141ff57-8fcb-4289-af3d-2c7a3a4cb7f1\">The Dragon <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft\/spacex-dragon-cargo-capsule-crs-33-iss-docking\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft\/spacex-dragon-cargo-capsule-crs-33-iss-docking\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft\/spacex-dragon-cargo-capsule-crs-33-iss-docking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">arrived<\/a> at the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/16748-international-space-station.html\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/16748-international-space-station.html\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/16748-international-space-station.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Space Station<\/a> (ISS) on Aug. 25, delivering about 5,000 pounds (2,270 kilograms) of supplies and scientific gear to the astronauts aboard the orbiting lab. It was the 33rd such robotic cargo run that <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18853-spacex.html\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18853-spacex.html\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18853-spacex.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SpaceX<\/a> has performed for NASA&#8217;s Commercial Resupply Services program.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"c141ff57-8fcb-4289-af3d-2c7a3a4cb7f1-1\">The capsule has also conducted other useful work during its current mission, which is known as CRS-33.<\/p>\n<p>For example, it &#8220;introduced a new capability to reboost the space station, helping maintain its altitude and counter atmospheric drag, which is critical for safe operations and the long-term sustainability of the orbital complex,&#8221; NASA officials said in a <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-to-cover-33rd-spacex-resupply-mission-station-departure\/?utm_source=TWITTER&amp;utm_medium=NASA&amp;utm_campaign=NASASocial&amp;linkId=910605529\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-to-cover-33rd-spacex-resupply-mission-station-departure\/?utm_source=TWITTER&amp;utm_medium=NASA&amp;utm_campaign=NASASocial&amp;linkId=910605529\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"noopener\">statement on Monday<\/a> (Feb. 23).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;During its time docked to the station, Dragon performed six reboosts \u2014 five in 2025 and a final maneuver on Jan. 23 \u2014 before preparations for its departure began,&#8221; they added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!<\/p>\n<p>Such reboosts have historically been done by Russia&#8217;s <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/32645-progress-spacecraft.html\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/32645-progress-spacecraft.html\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/32645-progress-spacecraft.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Progress freighter<\/a>. It&#8217;s unclear, however, if Russia will <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/russia-stay-international-space-station-partner-2028\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/russia-stay-international-space-station-partner-2028\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/russia-stay-international-space-station-partner-2028\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">remain an ISS partner<\/a> through the lifetime of the orbiting lab, which is expected to be deorbited in late 2030.<\/p>\n<p>If Russia leaves the consortium early, other reboosting methods will be needed. Dragon just showed it can handle the job, and Northrop Grumman&#8217;s <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/cygnus-spacecraft.html\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/cygnus-spacecraft.html\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/cygnus-spacecraft.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cygnus<\/a> cargo craft has done so as well.<\/p>\n<p id=\"d5a79e7f-2e3e-4996-888f-6ce4e10ca277\">Progress, Cygnus and Japan&#8217;s <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/international-space-station\/japan-htv-x-cargo-spacecraft-first-arrival-international-space-station\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/international-space-station\/japan-htv-x-cargo-spacecraft-first-arrival-international-space-station\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/international-space-station\/japan-htv-x-cargo-spacecraft-first-arrival-international-space-station\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HTV-X<\/a> spacecraft \u2014 the other currently operational ISS cargo craft \u2014 are all designed to burn up in <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/17683-earth-atmosphere.html\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/17683-earth-atmosphere.html\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/17683-earth-atmosphere.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Earth&#8217;s atmosphere<\/a> when their missions are done. But Dragon is reusable, which means it can haul cargo in the downward direction as well. And it&#8217;s carrying a lot of gear back to wrap up CRS-33.<\/p>\n<p>For example, Dragon is bringing down experiments from the Euro Material Aging study, &#8220;which exposed 141 samples to space for a year to examine how coatings, insulation, and 3D-printed materials degrade,&#8221; NASA officials said in the same statement.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s also hauling material from Thailand&#8217;s Liquid Crystals experiment, which &#8220;observed the stability of films used in electronics in microgravity,&#8221; they added. &#8220;Both could lead to stronger spacecraft, better displays and improved optical devices on future missions.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The CRS-33 Dragon will splash down under parachutes in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast on Friday (Feb. 27) at around 2:44 a.m. EST (0744 GMT), if all goes according to plan. Its reentry and splashdown will not be livestreamed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NASA&#8217;s SpaceX 33rd Commercial Resupply Services Undocking &#8211; YouTube Watch On A SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule will undock&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":789857,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3844],"tags":[70,413,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-789856","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-space","8":"tag-science","9":"tag-space","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116135952897959657","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/789856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=789856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/789856\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/789857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=789856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=789856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=789856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}