Undocking of SpaceX Dragon: NASA’s 32nd Resupply Mission Highlights

NASA’s Live Coverage of SpaceX Dragon’s Departure

NASA's live broadcast of the undocking and subsequent departure of the agency's 32nd commercial resupply services mission using the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is currently in progress on NASA+. This mission not only signifies a vital step in ongoing resupply efforts but also embodies the collaboration between private industry and government space exploration.

The uncrewed SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) at 12:05 p.m. EDT from the zenith, or space-facing, port of the Harmony module. Once clear of the station, the spacecraft will utilize its thrusters to safely navigate to a distance away from the ISS, highlighting the importance of precision in space maneuvers.

After its undocking, the Dragon is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and is expected to splash down at around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 25, off the coast of California. Interestingly, while NASA will provide updates regarding the mission on its space station blog, it will not be live-streaming the splashdown event, which may disappoint some avid space enthusiasts eager to witness every moment.

Mission Details and Significance

The Dragon spacecraft, filled with approximately 6,700 pounds of critical crew supplies, scientific research materials, and various equipment, successfully reached the ISS on April 22 after launching aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

This mission underscores the ongoing importance of the ISS as a hub for scientific discovery and international collaboration in low Earth orbit. Additionally, it reflects NASA's commitment to maintaining a continuous presence in space and advancing our understanding of various scientific disciplines through research conducted aboard the ISS.

Stay Connected with NASA

For those looking to stay informed about station activities and further missions, following the official space station blog, as well as social media channels such as @space_station and @ISS_Research on X, and the ISS Facebook and Instagram accounts is encouraged.

Additionally, avid followers can subscribe to receive weekly updates from NASA directly to their inbox, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest in space exploration.