Space & Satellites
SpaceX Dragon CRS-33 Delivers Supplies and Boosts ISS Orbit
SpaceX’s CRS-33 mission delivers critical cargo and introduces a new orbital boost system to the ISS, supporting 25 years of continuous operation.
On August 25, 2025, at precisely 7:05 a.m. EDT, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft docked with the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in commercial space operations and orbital science. Designated CRS-33, this mission not only delivered vital supplies and scientific experiments but also introduced a groundbreaking orbital boost capability, changing the dynamics of station-keeping for the ISS. The event coincides with the ISS’s 25th year of continuous human presence, underscoring the evolution of international cooperation and the growing influence of commercial partnerships in sustaining orbital research.
The CRS-33 mission stands as the 33rd Commercial Resupply Services flight by SpaceX, continuing a legacy of reliable cargo delivery and technological innovation. With over 5,000 pounds of cargo aboard, including advanced science payloads, the mission demonstrates the synergy between government agencies and private industry in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in low Earth orbit. The successful demonstration of Dragon’s new orbital boost system also signals a shift in operational independence for the ISS, particularly as the station’s future partners and operational structure face transition.
The CRS-33 mission launched on August 24, 2025, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, utilizing a Falcon 9 rocket with first stage booster B1090 on its seventh flight. The Dragon spacecraft (serial C211) made its third journey to the ISS, exemplifying SpaceX’s commitment to reusable hardware and cost-effective spaceflight operations.
After separation from the Falcon 9’s second stage, Dragon entered a 190 x 210 km orbit and began a series of automated maneuvers using its Draco thrusters to rendezvous with the ISS. The spacecraft autonomously docked to the forward port of the Harmony module, achieving soft capture while the station orbited 260 miles above the Ivory Coast of Africa. This marked the 50th Dragon vehicle to reach the ISS, a testament to the reliability and frequency of commercial resupply missions.
The mission’s success required precise orbital mechanics, robust autonomous navigation, and close coordination between SpaceX, NASA, and international partners. Astronaut Mike Fincke, speaking from the station, acknowledged the effort:
“We’d like to say thanks to everybody who made the cargo and loaded the cargo and launched the cargo. It’s our job now to take care of it from here. We’ll do our very best for all the science that’s now aboard.”
CRS-33 delivered approximately 2,300 kilograms of cargo, including 1,091 kg of crew supplies, 447 kg of science investigations, 587 kg of vehicle hardware, 55 kg of spacewalk equipment, and 35 kg of computer resources. The manifest demonstrates the multifaceted support required for ISS operations, from daily sustenance to advanced research.
Among the notable supplies were over 1,500 tortillas, preferred in space due to their crumb-free nature, along with coffee, tea, and personalized meal packages. These details highlight how even basic logistics must be adapted for microgravity environments.
On the science front, the mission carried a European Space Agencies metal 3D printer, a bioprinting experiment for tissue engineering, and studies on lab-grown liver tissues with blood vessels. These investigations aim to advance in-space manufacturing, regenerative medicine, and drug testing, leveraging the unique microgravity environment to achieve results not possible on Earth. “This flight will test 3D printing metal parts and bioprinting tissue in microgravity, technology that could give astronauts tools and medical support on future moon and Mars missions.” , Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy
Additional experiments focus on bone loss in microgravity, a critical issue for long-duration missions. Findings from these studies are expected to inform both space medicine and treatments for osteoporosis on Earth.
A defining feature of CRS-33 is the debut of Dragon’s orbital boost system. Housed in the spacecraft’s trunk, this kit includes an independent propellant system feeding two Draco engines, designed to raise the ISS’s orbit and counteract atmospheric drag. Until now, these reboosts relied primarily on Russian Progress vehicles or the station’s own thrusters.
The boost kit provides about 1.5 times the reboost capability of a Progress vehicle, significantly enhancing ISS altitude maintenance options. The system is scheduled for a series of burns throughout fall 2025, coordinated with international partners to minimize disruption to station operations.
This innovation is strategically important as Russia considers withdrawing from the ISS partnership by 2028, two years before the station’s planned retirement in 2030. The Dragon boost capability, along with similar developments for Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus, ensures redundancy and operational security for the ISS’s final years.
“It’s been exciting for us to support this critical, new effort and it feels like we get to become an even more integrated part of the ISS operations ecosystem.” , Sarah Walker, SpaceX Director of Dragon Mission Management
The technology also paves the way for future deorbit operations. SpaceX is under contract to develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, which will safely guide the ISS into controlled reentry at the end of its mission life.
CRS-33’s arrival coincides with the ISS’s 25th anniversary of continuous human occupation, a milestone to be officially marked on November 2, 2025. The ISS has hosted more than 280 residents, supported over 4,000 scientific experiments, and involved researchers from 110 countries, symbolizing unprecedented international cooperation.
The station is a joint venture between NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA, each contributing modules, systems, and expertise. The ISS’s unique microgravity environment enables research in biotechnology, materials science, medicine, and Earth observation, producing insights not possible in terrestrial labs.
In 2024, the ISS welcomed 25 crew members from nine countries, hosted seven cargo missions, and made history by docking three different crewed spacecraft simultaneously. These achievements reflect the station’s ongoing vitality and its role as a testbed for future commercial and governmental space initiatives. “We’ve enabled more than 4,000 different scientific experiments and technology demonstrations and that represents the work of over 5,000 researchers from over 110 countries around the world.” , Heidi Parris, NASA ISS Program Research Office
The CRS-33 mission exemplifies NASA’s commercial partnership strategy, which has shifted from experimental programs to operational mainstays. Under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, SpaceX has delivered cargo reliably and cost-effectively, enabling NASA to focus resources on deep space exploration.
The first CRS contract saw SpaceX complete 20 missions for $3.04 billion, averaging $152 million per flight. The CRS-2 contract, awarded in 2016, extended these services and introduced additional providers, increasing mission flexibility and competition. SpaceX’s reusable hardware further reduces costs and environmental impact, with the Falcon 9 first stage landing marking its 121st recovery on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas”.
Commercial crew and cargo programs have created a robust supply chain supporting not just NASA’s needs but also those of international partners and private entities. This model is expected to inform the transition to commercial space stations as the ISS nears retirement.
The research delivered by CRS-33 represents the forefront of microgravity science. Bioprinting experiments aim to produce tissue structures for regenerative medicine, while metal 3D printing could revolutionize in-space manufacturing for future lunar and Martian missions.
Bone loss and pharmaceutical studies on the ISS provide insights into fundamental biological processes and potential treatments for diseases on Earth. The ISS’s vantage point also supports climate research and disaster monitoring, offering unique data for Earth sciences.
Educational initiatives tied to these experiments engage students worldwide, fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers and demonstrating the societal value of sustained space operations.
With the ISS scheduled for retirement by 2030, technologies like Dragon’s boost system and the forthcoming U.S. Deorbit Vehicle are critical for a safe and orderly transition. The deorbit process will involve a controlled descent, ensuring the massive structure’s breakup occurs safely over uninhabited ocean.
Meanwhile, the development of commercial space stations is well underway, promising to continue the ISS’s scientific legacy under new operational models. These platforms will build on the lessons of public-private partnerships, offering expanded research, manufacturing, and commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. The future of orbital research will likely feature increased commercial involvement, international cooperation, and integration with deep space exploration architectures, ensuring continued access to the microgravity environment and its scientific benefits.
SpaceX’s CRS-33 mission marks a turning point in the evolution of commercial space operations and the ongoing legacy of the International Space Station. By delivering critical supplies, advanced scientific experiments, and pioneering a new orbital boost capability, the mission demonstrates the maturity and operational independence of commercial spaceflight.
As the ISS celebrates 25 years of continuous human presence, missions like CRS-33 ensure that the station remains a hub of international cooperation, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. The operational experience and advancements gained will inform the next generation of commercial space platforms, securing humanity’s foothold in low Earth orbit for decades to come.
Q: What was the main goal of the CRS-33 mission? Q: Why is Dragon’s orbital boost capability significant? Q: What types of research were delivered on CRS-33? Q: How does CRS-33 relate to the ISS’s future?
SpaceX Dragon CRS-33 Mission Successfully Delivers Critical Science and Supplies to International Space Station
Mission Overview and Technical Achievement
Scientific Payload and Research Initiatives
Revolutionary Orbital Boost Capability
International Space Station Operational Milestone
Commercial Space Partnership Evolution
Scientific Research and Technology Advancement
Future Space Operations and Station Transition
Conclusion
FAQ
A: To deliver over 5,000 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments to the ISS and demonstrate Dragon’s new orbital boost capability.
A: It allows the ISS to maintain its orbit without relying solely on Russian vehicles, increasing operational independence and redundancy.
A: Bioprinting tissue, metal 3D printing, bone loss studies, drug delivery investigations, and educational experiments.
A: The mission’s technology and operational experience will support the ISS through its final years and inform the transition to commercial space stations.
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
Space & Satellites
Sodern Opens First US Facility in Colorado for Star Tracker Production
Sodern launches its first US industrial subsidiary in Colorado, producing Auriga™ star trackers and expanding in the US aerospace market.
This article is based on an official press release from Sodern.
Sodern, a prominent French manufacturer of space equipment and a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, has officially inaugurated its first United States industrial subsidiary, Sodern America. Located in Englewood, Colorado, the new facility marks a significant strategic expansion for the European aerospace giant, representing ArianeGroup’s first industrial installation on American soil.
According to the company’s announcement, the opening of Sodern America is designed to bring the manufacturer closer to its U.S. client base and navigate domestic regulatory requirements. The move positions Sodern to compete directly with established American firms in the defense and commercial space sectors by establishing a local supply chain and production capability.
The new subsidiary is situated in the Denver metropolitan area, a region widely recognized as a major hub for the U.S. aerospace industry. The facility spans approximately 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) and is equipped to handle manufacturing, testing, and commercial support.
In its official statement, Sodern outlined the specific operational capabilities of the Englewood site:
By establishing this physical presence, Sodern aims to address the “dynamic and demanding” nature of the U.S. market, ensuring that critical components are available with shorter supply-chains than those requiring import from Europe.
To lead the new subsidiary, Sodern has appointed Tiphaine Louradour as the CEO of Sodern America. Louradour brings over 25 years of experience in the space industry, having held significant leadership roles at major U.S. aerospace organizations.
According to biographical details released in conjunction with the announcement, Louradour’s background includes serving as CEO of Spaceflight Inc., President of International Launch Services (ILS), and President of Global Commercial Sales at United Launch Alliance (ULA). Her appointment signals Sodern’s intent to leverage deep ties within the U.S. space industrial base to secure new contracts.
A primary driver for this expansion, as noted in the company’s strategic rationale, is compliance with U.S. regulatory frameworks. Foreign entities often face barriers when bidding for U.S. government defense and civil space contracts due to strict domestic content requirements, often referred to as “Buy American” mandates. By manufacturing the Auriga™ star tracker and conducting testing in Colorado, Sodern America intends to qualify for sensitive programs that are typically restricted to U.S. entities. This local status allows the company to bypass previous regulatory hurdles and compete on equal footing with domestic manufacturers.
The entry of Sodern America into the Colorado aerospace cluster places it in direct proximity to some of its fiercest competitors. The Denver area is home to Blue Canyon Technologies (a subsidiary of RTX), which is a market leader in small satellite components and star trackers. Additionally, Ball Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems) and Honeywell Aerospace maintain significant operations in the region.
Sodern is already a supplier for major U.S. stakeholders, including NASA, providing instruments for the InSight Mars mission and the Europa Clipper, and the OneWeb constellation. However, establishing a manufacturing foothold suggests a shift from being an exporter to becoming an embedded part of the U.S. supply chain. This move is likely to intensify competition in the optical sensors market, particularly as satellite constellations continue to scale.
What is Sodern America? Where is the new facility located? What will be manufactured at the new site? Who is the CEO of Sodern America? Why did Sodern open a U.S. factory?
Facility Capabilities and Strategic Location
Leadership and Market Objectives
Navigating “Buy American” Regulations
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodern America is the new U.S. subsidiary of the French space equipment manufacturer Sodern. It is the company’s first industrial facility in the United States.
The facility is located in Englewood, Colorado, within the Denver metropolitan area.
The site will feature a production line for Auriga™ star trackers and testing facilities for Hydra™ star trackers.
Tiphaine Louradour, a veteran aerospace executive with previous leadership roles at Spaceflight Inc. and ULA, has been appointed as CEO.
The expansion aims to bypass “Buy American” regulatory hurdles, shorten supply chains for U.S. clients, and allow the company to bid on U.S. government defense contracts.Sources
Photo Credit: Sodern
Space & Satellites
Isar Aerospace Opens Acceptance Test Facility at Esrange Space Center
Isar Aerospace launches a new test site at Esrange, Sweden, to support industrial-scale production of Spectrum rocket ahead of March 2026 flight.
This article is based on an official press release from Isar Aerospace.
Isar Aerospace has officially inaugurated a new acceptance test facility at the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden. Announced on February 4, 2026, the opening marks a significant transition for the Munich-based launch provider as it shifts focus from prototype development to the industrial-scale production of its Spectrum launch vehicle.
The new site is purpose-built to verify the flight readiness of manufactured hardware, a critical step in ensuring high-cadence Launch operations. According to the company, the facility is designed to test over 30 Aquila engines per month, alongside fully integrated rocket stages. This infrastructure expansion comes just weeks before Isar Aerospace attempts its second Test-Flights, mission “Onward and Upward,” scheduled to First-Flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway in March 2026.
Unlike development testing, which focuses on validating design concepts, acceptance testing is the final quality control step before hardware is shipped to the launch pad. Isar Aerospace stated in their press release that the new facility is specifically engineered to remove production bottlenecks. By securing dedicated infrastructure for acceptance testing, the company aims to ensure that every engine and stage coming off the assembly line is immediately qualified for flight.
The facility operates alongside Isar’s existing vertical test stand (VTS-2) at Esrange, which has been utilized for development testing since 2019. The addition of the new site allows for parallel operations: R&D can continue on the vertical stand while the new facility handles the volume required for serial production.
“Scaling reliable access to space requires not only advanced launch vehicle design but also the right infrastructure to support rapid development and production. With our second test facility at Esrange, we are unlocking new capabilities and accelerating our progress.”
, Daniel Metzler, CEO & Co-Founder, Isar Aerospace
The new infrastructure significantly increases the company’s throughput. Isar Aerospace reports that the site is equipped to handle the acceptance testing of more than 30 Aquila engines monthly. Furthermore, the site supports integrated stage testing, allowing engineers to verify the entire rocket stage as a cohesive unit before it leaves Sweden.
The opening of this facility highlights the intensifying race among European launch Startups to provide sovereign access to space. Isar Aerospace is competing with peers such as Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Orbex to fill the gap in Europe’s launch market. By vertically integrating its testing capabilities, Isar Aerospace reduces reliance on shared facilities, potentially giving it an advantage in scheduling and launch cadence. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates Esrange, emphasized the importance of this Partnerships for the broader European ecosystem.
“This new facility strengthens Europe’s path toward scalable and reliable access to space… Together, we are building the infrastructure that will enable a new generation of launch services.”
, Mats Tyni, Director of Business Development, SSC
The distinction between “development” and “acceptance” testing is often overlooked, yet it is the primary hurdle for launch companies moving from a single successful flight to a commercial service. In our view, Isar Aerospace’s Investments in a high-volume acceptance facility signals confidence in their hardware design. It suggests the company believes the Aquila engine design is mature enough to freeze for mass production. If the upcoming March 2026 flight is successful, this infrastructure will be the key enabler that allows them to fulfill their backlog without the testing bottlenecks that have historically plagued the industry.
The facility inauguration serves as a prelude to Isar Aerospace’s next major milestone. The company confirmed that its second test flight, dubbed “Onward and Upward,” is targeted for a launch window in March 2026. This mission will utilize the Spectrum vehicle, a two-stage rocket designed to carry up to 1,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The Spectrum vehicle relies on the Aquila engines tested at Esrange, which utilize Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Propane. Following a flight termination during the first test launch in March 2025, the company has conducted extensive hot-fire tests to validate system corrections. The new acceptance facility will likely play a central role in qualifying engines for vehicles 3 through 7, which are currently planned for concurrent production.
Industrializing Launch Capabilities
Capacity and Specs
Strategic Context: The Race for European Sovereignty
AirPro News Analysis
Upcoming Mission: “Onward and Upward”
Sources
Photo Credit: Isar Aerospace
Space & Satellites
SpaceX Crew-12 Arrives in Florida for February ISS Launch
Crew-12 astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos arrive at Kennedy Space Center ahead of their February 11 launch to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA and additional mission data from ESA and Roscosmos.
The four-member crew of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Friday, February 6, 2026, marking the final operational milestone before their scheduled Launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Flying in from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the international team of astronauts landed at the Launch and Landing Facility to commence final preparations and mandatory quarantine protocols.
According to NASA, the mission is targeted to lift off on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:01 a.m. EST. The crew will ride aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This flight represents a continuation of the Commercial Crew Program’s efforts to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The arrival of Crew-12 is operationally critical for the ISS, which has recently functioned with a reduced staff due to schedule shifts and medical evaluations. The successful docking of Crew-12, targeted for approximately 10:30 a.m. EST on February 12, will restore the orbiting laboratory to its full complement of seven astronauts, stabilizing maintenance rosters and scientific output for Expeditions 74 and 75.
The Crew-12 mission brings together representatives from three major Space-Agencies: NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Roscosmos. The mission duration is expected to last approximately nine months, during which the crew will conduct hundreds of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
In an official statement regarding the mission’s scope, NASA noted:
“Crew-12 will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as benefit people on Earth.”
Following the launch on February 11, the crew will execute a 28-hour rendezvous profile before docking with the ISS. Once aboard, they will overlap briefly with the departing crew before settling into a long-duration stay focused on deep space biology, material science, and Earth observation.
The manifest for Crew-12 features a blend of veteran leadership and rookie talent, including two American astronauts, one French astronaut, and one Russian cosmonaut. Leading the mission is veteran astronaut Jessica Meir. Meir previously served on Expedition 61/62 in 2019 and 2020, where she gained global recognition for participating in the first all-female spacewalk alongside Christina Koch. A dual American-Swedish citizen, Meir holds a Doctorate in Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her scientific background includes extensive research on animal physiology in extreme environments, such as emperor penguins in Antarctica. As Mission Commander, she is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry.
Seated alongside Meir is mission pilot Jack Hathaway, making his first trip to space. Selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2021, Hathaway brings extensive aviation experience as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. He is a distinguished graduate of the Empire Test Pilots’ School and has logged over 2,500 flight hours in more than 30 types of aircraft. His role on Crew-12 involves monitoring vehicle systems and performance during the dynamic phases of flight.
Representing the European Space Agency is Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot. A Lieutenant Colonel in the French Air and Space Force and a helicopter test pilot, Adenot was selected as an ESA astronaut in 2022. She becomes the second French woman to fly to space, following Claudie Haigneré’s mission in 1996. Adenot’s individual mission is designated “Epsilon.”
Commenting on the significance of her role, Adenot stated:
“With this Epsilon mission, France and Europe are contributing to a global endeavor. Space exploration connects science, economy, technology, education, and diplomacy.”
Rounding out the crew is Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. This flight marks his second journey to the ISS, having previously flown on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission from March to September 2023. Fedyaev’s inclusion in the crew is notable for making him the first Russian cosmonaut to fly twice on a SpaceX Dragon vehicle. He is tasked with monitoring launch and re-entry phases and managing cargo operations aboard the station.
Upon their arrival in Florida, the crew immediately entered the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to begin the standard pre-flight quarantine. This health stabilization protocol, a legacy of the Apollo era, is designed to ensure that no viral or bacterial illnesses are transported to the closed environment of the ISS.
The composition of Crew-12 underwent a significant adjustment late in the training flow. In December 2025, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev was removed from the manifest and replaced by Andrey Fedyaev. While Roscosmos officially cited a “transition to other work” as the reason for the swap, industry reports have suggested the change may have been influenced by internal Regulations. Fedyaev’s previous experience on the Crew-6 mission allowed him to step into the role with a compressed training timeline, ensuring the mission schedule remained on track.
The integration of Andrey Fedyaev into Crew-12 highlights the increasing maturity and interoperability of the Commercial Crew Program. In previous eras of spaceflight, a crew change less than three months before launch could have resulted in significant delays. However, the standardization of the SpaceX Crew Dragon platform allows veteran flyers like Fedyaev to retain currency and step into rotation with reduced lead time. Furthermore, the launch of Crew-12 is pivotal for ISS operations. The station has faced a period of flux regarding crew numbers, and the return to a seven-person staff is essential for clearing the backlog of maintenance tasks and maximizing the scientific return of the orbiting laboratory before the transition to commercial space stations begins later in the decade.
Sources:
Crew-12 Astronauts Touch Down in Florida Ahead of February 11 Launch
Mission Profile and Timeline
Meet the Crew-12 Astronauts
Commander Jessica Meir (NASA)
Pilot Jack Hathaway (NASA)
Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot (ESA)
Mission Specialist Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos)
Operational Context and Late Adjustments
Late Crew Change
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: NASA
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