Science
Published Jun 16, 2026Updated Jun 171
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SpaceX's Cargo Dragon Undocks from International Space Station After Month-Long Mission
SpaceX's Cargo Dragon spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station on June 16 after a month-long mission, carrying experimental results including bioprinted cartilage tissue samples and cancer research materials. The spacecraft is expected to splash down off the California coast approximately 15 hours after undocking.
Quick Facts
- Cargo Dragon undocked from ISS
- Spacecraft returning to Earth with experimental results
- Cartilage tissue samples transported using bioprinter
- Cancer research materials being returned
- Planned splash down off California coast
SpaceX's Cargo Dragon spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station on June 16 at 12:25 p.m. EST, marking the conclusion of its 34th commercial resupply mission. The spacecraft had been docked to the ISS since May 17, conducting various scientific operations and experiments during its stay.
The Cargo Dragon is returning to Earth with valuable experimental results, including cartilage tissue samples produced using a bioprinter technology and materials designated for cancer treatment research. The spacecraft is expected to splash down off the coast of California approximately 15 hours after undocking, allowing NASA and SpaceX teams to recover the scientific payload for further analysis.
The Cargo Dragon is one of two primary cargo vehicles servicing the International Space Station. While SpaceX's reusable Dragon spacecraft can return experiments and samples to Earth, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft, which also delivers cargo to the station, burns up during re-entry in the upper atmosphere along with waste materials removed from the ISS. This distinction makes Cargo Dragon particularly valuable for missions requiring the safe return of sensitive biological and research materials.
Why This Matters
This mission demonstrates SpaceX's critical role in supporting scientific research on the ISS by safely returning sensitive biological and research materials to Earth. Unlike competing cargo vehicles that burn up during re-entry, Cargo Dragon's reusable design enables recovery of irreplaceable experimental samples, directly advancing biomedical research in tissue engineering and cancer treatment that could lead to breakthrough medical therapies.
Timeline & Sources
May 17, 2026
WireCargo Dragon docks to International Space Station
Jun 16, 2026
WireCargo Dragon undocks from ISS at 12:25 p.m. EST
Jun 16, 2026
WireExpected splash down off California coast in approximately 15 hours