The SpaceX CRS-33 Dragon cargo spacecraft successfully undocked from the International Space Station on February 26, 2026, at 17:05 UTC (12:05 EST), departing the forward port of the station’s Harmony module. After a six-month mission, the spacecraft is scheduled for splashdown off the coast of California on Friday morning, completing the safe return of over 2,267 kilograms (5,000 pounds) of supplies and scientific samples.

During its mission, CRS-33 delivered critical equipment and provisions while supporting ongoing research on the station. Notably, the spacecraft pioneered a series of six altitude reboosts using its Draco thrusters, a maneuver previously conducted primarily by Russia’s Progress cargo vehicles. This capability enhances the station’s operational autonomy and reduces reliance on foreign assets for orbital maintenance, providing greater flexibility in mission planning and station safety.

The Dragon spacecraft has been integral in resupply operations, following previous missions including CRS-26 and CRS-29. Its successful undocking demonstrates the continued reliability of SpaceX’s cargo services for NASA, ensuring timely delivery and return of scientific payloads critical for ongoing experiments in microgravity.

After separation from the ISS, CRS-33 executed autonomous departure maneuvers to clear the vicinity safely. Ground teams monitored the spacecraft’s trajectory in real-time, confirming all systems performed nominally. The upcoming splashdown will mark the mission’s final stage, allowing recovery crews to retrieve valuable experiments and equipment for analysis on Earth.

The CRS-33 mission underscores SpaceX’s expanding role in ISS operations, combining routine cargo delivery with advanced capabilities such as orbital reboosts. By enhancing station maneuverability and cargo throughput, the mission contributes to broader objectives of maintaining continuous human presence in space and supporting scientific research across disciplines.