SpaceX CRS-32: Science, Supplies, and a Smooth Landing
- Ryan Bale
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
In the early hours of April 21, 2025, SpaceX launched its 32nd Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-32) mission for NASA, delivering over 6,700 pounds (3,040 kilograms) of supplies and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS). The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 4:15 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the rocket's first stage returned to Earth, performing a vertical landing at Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Dragon's Delivery: What's Onboard?
The Cargo Dragon spacecraft is carrying a variety of scientific investigations and supplies to support ongoing research aboard the ISS. Notable experiments include:
Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor-2 (SVGS-2): Tests a vision-based sensor using Astrobee robots to control satellite formation flight, with potential applications for spacecraft docking and robotic coordination on the Moon or Mars.
Aerosol Monitors: Evaluates air quality monitors and a device to distinguish between smoke and dust, aiming to reduce false alarms and support crew health during long-duration missions.
Industrial Crystallization Cassette (ADSEP-ICC): Enhances a crystallization facility to produce uniform gold nanoparticles, which could improve medical diagnostics and drug delivery technologies.
DNA Nano Therapeutics–Mission 2: Studies DNA-inspired nanomaterials for treating joint inflammation and cartilage regeneration, with improved stability and performance in microgravity.
Rhodium USAFA NIGHT: Investigates how tomato plants adapt to microgravity and whether carbon dioxide substitutes or supplements can boost growth while reducing energy use.
Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES): A European Space Agency experiment using atomic clocks to test relativity and improve global timekeeping and fundamental physics research.
A Veteran Capsule: Dragon C209's Flight History
The Cargo Dragon capsule used for CRS-32, designated C209, is on its fifth mission to the ISS. Its previous flights include:
CRS-22: Launched on June 3, 2021
CRS-24: Launched on December 21, 2021
CRS-27: Launched on March 15, 2023
CRS-30: Launched on March 21, 2024
C209's repeated use underscores SpaceX's commitment to reusability and cost-effective spaceflight operations.
Looking Ahead
The Cargo Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to autonomously dock with the ISS on April 22, 2025, delivering its cargo to support the station's crew and research activities.
For more information and updates on the CRS-32 mission, visit NASA's official page: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/
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