SpaceX Dragon Successfully Reboosts International Space Station Orbit

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has successfully demonstrated a new capability to reboost the International Space Station (ISS) by raising its orbit by about one mile using two Draco engines located in the spacecraft's trunk, which contains an independent propellant system. This maneuver, lasting just over five minutes, marks a significant milestone in reducing the ISS's reliance on Russian Progress spacecraft for orbital adjustments, which have traditionally been used to counteract atmospheric drag and avoid debris. The Dragon currently docked at the ISS arrived on August 25 as part of NASA's 33rd commercial resupply mission and is expected to remain until late December or early January, helping deliver research and bring experiments back to Earth. NASA and SpaceX plan to conduct a series of longer reboost burns throughout the fall of 2025, enhancing the station's altitude maintenance capabilities. This development underscores a shift toward greater commercial involvement in ISS operations and bolsters confidence in the station's long-term sustainability. The success of this mission also highlights ongoing challenges in the Russian space program, as SpaceX's growing role provides additional flexibility for ISS orbit management.