SpaceX launched the CRS-33 mission from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, marking Dragon’s 50th ISS visit.
The first Dragon mission visited the station in May 2012 for a resupply demonstration.
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic.
SpaceX officials said Dragon will autonomously dock with the ISS on Monday after a 28-hour flight.
Delivering Supplies and Scientific Research
The CRS-33 mission carries 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of food, experiments, and equipment for astronauts.
SpaceX emphasized the mission supports critical research for future human space exploration.
Astronauts will conduct 50 scientific studies aboard the ISS during this mission.
Heidi Parris, ISS associate program scientist, explained researchers will test blocking a protein that causes bone loss.
The study aims to reduce bone deterioration that astronauts experience in microgravity.
Booster Milestones and Future Missions
Sunday’s flight marked the first-stage booster’s seventh mission and Dragon’s third CRS mission.
In September, Dragon will raise the ISS altitude during a reboost maneuver, Spetch said.
Bill Spetch, ISS Operations Integration Manager, explained atmospheric drag slowly lowers the station’s orbit.
NASA contracted SpaceX to provide the reboost capability for long-term station operations.
Dragon will return to Earth no earlier than December, carrying experiments and equipment.
