Sonic boom echoes over California in early morning as SpaceX Dragon re-enters Earth

The SpaceX Dragon cargo craft, with its nosecone open, approaches the International Space Station for an automated docking to the Harmony module’s space-facing port delivering new science experiments and crew supplies on April 22, 2025. (Image: NASA)

It’s not every night that a capsule splashes home, carrying stories written in space. At 1:44 a.m. EDT, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft gently returned to Earth, touching the Pacific waters off California’s coast. The uncrewed capsule completed its 32nd commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA.

The spacecraft carried nearly 6,700 pounds of supplies. Inside were scientific experiments designed for low gravity. It had undocked from the space station’s Harmony module on May 23 at 12:05 p.m., ready to deliver its cargo back to Earth.

Material Tests and Robotic Arms

One major return included hardware from the MISSE-20 experiment. This test exposed materials to the harshness of outer space. Items included solar sails, radiation shields and reentry ceramics. The samples faced ultraviolet light, atomic oxygen and charged particles. These trials help us improve future spacecraft material designs.

Another key item was Astrobee-REACCH. This robotic test featured gripping arms and adhesive pads. The Astrobee robots successfully moved different shaped objects in space. These abilities may help with future debris removal missions. They could also help service ageing satellites and improve safety in orbit.

Books, Cameras and a Better Earth View

Books from the “Story Time from Space” project were also on board. Astronauts read STEM-themed books to children back home. They filmed science experiments while reading in orbit. The videos and materials now join an educational library on Earth.

Dragon also carried data and equipment from OPTICA. This was a one-year image technology demonstration. It focused on ultra-clear space images and how to compress data. OPTICA may help lower costs of future satellite communications. It could also boost emergency response services using space-based imagery.

Mission Journey and Future Space Plans

The capsule had arrived at the ISS on April 22. It launched on April 21 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The liftoff happened at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

People have lived on the ISS for over 24 years. Astronauts continue to carry out essential research in space. These missions prepare us for human travel to the Moon. They also support NASA’s Artemis campaign and future Mars exploration. The space station remains a key hub for science and commercial growth in low Earth orbit.