Dragon Spacecraft Returns to Earth with Key Science Samples

NASA announced that the Dragon cargo spacecraft will depart the International Space Station (ISS) on February 26, bringing back critical scientific samples from a series of advanced space experiments.

According to NASA, Dragon will detach from the station’s Harmony module at 12:05 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday before beginning its return journey to Earth. The spacecraft is expected to splash down off the coast of California at approximately 11:44 p.m. the same day.

The mission marks a significant step in advancing space research, as Dragon is transporting valuable materials and experimental samples conducted aboard the ISS. Among the key experiments returning to Earth:

• Euro Material Ageing experiment samples, which studied how space conditions affect coatings, insulation materials, and 3D-printed components. The findings could improve the durability of spacecraft materials in future missions.

• Liquid Crystals experiment electronics, focused on examining the stability of thin films used in advanced electronic devices under microgravity conditions. The research may contribute to the development of improved display technologies and optical systems for future space missions.

• Frozen samples from the Stellar Stem Cells Mission 2, which investigates how microgravity influences the growth of brain and heart stem cells. The research could support breakthroughs in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Parkinson’s disease.

• Blood analysis tools tested for potential use in future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, enhancing medical monitoring capabilities during deep-space exploration.

Dragon originally arrived at the ISS on August 25, 2025, delivering food, water, and essential supplies to astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory. During its stay, the spacecraft’s thrusters were also used multiple times to adjust the station’s orbit.

The return of Dragon with high-value research materials highlights NASA’s ongoing efforts to leverage microgravity science to advance medicine, materials engineering, and long-duration human spaceflight capabilities.