SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, managed by NASA, is set to depart the International Space Station (ISS) after a month-long mission delivering and retrieving vital cargo and scientific samples.

Expedition 73 used the Dragon to transport nearly 6,700 pounds of supplies and valuable experiments, enhancing research on microgravity and human biology.

The undocking is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 22; NASA+ will provide live coverage starting at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Dragon’s splashdown off California is expected Friday, May 23, closing its 32nd resupply mission—highlighting the collaborative efforts between NASA and SpaceX.

The ISS continues to serve as a global scientific hub, fostering international cooperation and advancing space exploration.

SpaceX Dragon Departs The ISS

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Above the Earth’s shimmer, a gleaming white capsule quietly makes ready for departure. The NASA-managed SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, having spent a month nestled against the International Space Station (ISS), will soon slip its moorings and begin the last act of a high-tech ballet—a return to Earth laden with scientific treasures.

Seven astronauts aboard the ISS have spent the past day bustling through the Harmony module, securing vital cargo inside Dragon’s pressurized hold. Each sample and piece of hardware tells a unique story: the mysteries of microgravity, the resilience of human biology, the promise of new medicines—all harvested above the vibrant swirl of our planet.

This particular Dragon capsule arrived in April, delivering nearly 6,700 pounds of supplies—everything from fresh fruit to experimental equipment—essential sustenance and opportunity for Expedition 73. Now, after circling 250 miles above us for 30 days, the spacecraft faces its test: a homeward journey commanded remotely by experts at SpaceX’s Mission Control in Hawthorne, California.

Departure: Dragon is scheduled to undock from the Harmony module at 12:05 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 22.

Dragon is scheduled to undock from the Harmony module at 12:05 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 22. Livestream: NASA+ will broadcast live coverage starting at 11:45 a.m. ET, a rare chance for earthbound dreamers to witness a modern marvel at the edge of our world.

will broadcast live coverage starting at 11:45 a.m. ET, a rare chance for earthbound dreamers to witness a modern marvel at the edge of our world. Landing: The capsule will speed through Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off the coast of California, Friday, May 23—its return to blue seas unseen by live cameras, but closely tracked by NASA’s communications teams.

The International Space Station: For 25 years, this orbital outpost has hosted 280 astronauts from twenty-three nations. It’s a floating home bigger than a six-bedroom house—with six sleeping quarters, a gym, two baths, and a panoramic bay window framing sunrises on the hour. The ISS is a symbol of global unity, operated by NASA, Roscosmos, European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.

The Dragon Capsule: Towering at nearly 27 feet, the Dragon is one of four heavy-lift workhorses for the ISS, capable of carrying up to seven astronauts but more often ferrying experiments and cargo. This return marks the 32nd resupply mission, a testament to the enduring partnership between SpaceX’s visionary engineers and NASA’s scientific community.

As the world watches a capsule drift away from the lights of a distant station, the spirit of discovery glimmers on. The journey is not just about delivering cargo, but returning knowledge—each departure, a promise fulfilled; each landing, a new chapter begun.

How to Watch:

NASA: Official information and updates.

SpaceX: Learn more about the Dragon capsule and its missions.

NASA+: Streaming of the undocking event, beginning at 11:45 a.m. ET, May 22.

When Dragon splashes down, it will bring with it not only precious cargo, but also the next chapter in humanity’s ongoing story among the stars.

This SpaceX Dragon Mission: A Triumph or Trouble? See the Pros, Cons, and Controversies Everyone’s Talking About!

Pro: International Collaboration The NASA and SpaceX partnership, supported by agencies like European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Canadian Space Agency, and Roscosmos, shows how international teamwork can lead to groundbreaking science and foster global unity in space exploration.

Pro: Scientific Value Each Dragon return mission delivers invaluable scientific data—all thanks to advanced engineering and careful planning. This rapid roundtrip helps experiments and samples return to Earth quickly for analysis.

Pro: Commercial Partnership The involvement of SpaceX demonstrates the growing role of private companies in space, spurring innovation and helping agencies like NASA focus resources on deep space exploration.

Con: Limited Live Coverage Although undocking is livestreamed on NASA platforms, the actual landing and splashdown occur outside real-time public view. This can frustrate space fans and transparency advocates.

Con: Cargo & Crew Risks Despite a strong safety record, every Dragon return carries risks to valuable scientific payloads. Rapid re-entry and splashdown expose cargo to potential hazards, including G-forces and saltwater contamination.

Controversy: Sustainability & Space Debris With nearly three dozen resupply flights, concerns persist about the environmental impact of frequent launches and re-entries. Agencies like NASA and companies like SpaceX are under increasing pressure to manage orbital debris and minimize their environmental footprint.

Limitation: Capacity & Frequency Even workhorses like Dragon have limits—each can carry only so much cargo, and windows for launch, docking, and return depend on tight ISS schedules and orbital math. Unforeseen technical or weather issues can cause delays.

What’s Next in Space? Bold Predictions for the ISS and SpaceX Missions!