SpaceX Cargo Dragon set to depart ISS with scientific research samples

SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on June 16, according to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The spacecraft arrived at the orbital outpost on May 17 as part of NASA’s 34th commercial resupply mission conducted by SpaceX. Undocking is planned for approximately 8:05 p.m. Baku time on June 16, with the capsule expected to splash down off the coast of California the following day.

Our latest shipment from the @Space_Station is heading back to Earth next Tuesday, June 16, aboard an uncrewed @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Here's how to watch: https://t.co/LSIkqntD9l pic.twitter.com/WVQvi6mqux

— NASA (@NASA) June 12, 2026

Cargo Dragon will return a range of scientific materials and experiment results from the ISS. Among the items onboard are cartilage tissue samples produced using 3D bioprinting technology, as well as research materials related to cancer treatment studies.

The spacecraft is currently the only U.S. cargo vehicle capable of returning substantial amounts of equipment, experiments, and scientific samples from the ISS to Earth. This capability enables researchers to analyse results in laboratories after experiments are completed in microgravity.

Alongside SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft also delivers supplies and equipment to the station under NASA’s commercial cargo program. Unlike Dragon, however, Cygnus is not designed to return to Earth. After completing its mission, the spacecraft burns up in Earth’s atmosphere, disposing of waste and other discarded materials from the ISS.

By Sabina Mammadli