SpaceX launched the CRS-33 mission to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral on Sunday.
The launch marked the 50th Dragon spacecraft visit since its first resupply demonstration in May 2012.
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic.
SpaceX expects the Dragon to dock autonomously with the ISS on Monday after roughly 28 hours in orbit.
Mission Delivers Supplies and Supports Science
The CRS-33 carries 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of food, equipment, and experiments for astronauts onboard.
Officials emphasized the mission advances critical research for future human space exploration.
Crew members will conduct 50 scientific investigations during the flight.
Heidi Parris, ISS associate program scientist, said researchers will test if blocking a protein reduces bone loss in space.
The experiments aim to improve astronaut health during long-duration missions.
Dragon Prepares for Future Tasks
Sunday’s flight marked the first-stage booster’s seventh launch and Dragon’s third resupply mission.
In September, NASA will use Dragon to reboost the ISS and adjust its altitude.
Bill Spetch, ISS Operations Integration Manager, explained the station slowly loses altitude due to atmospheric drag.
NASA contracted SpaceX to provide reboost capabilities to maintain long-term ISS operations.
The Dragon spacecraft will return to Earth no earlier than December, carrying experiments and cargo.
