SpaceX's CRS-33 mission, funded by NASA, will advance tissue engineering, stem cell research, and space computing, delivering critical supplies and investigations to the ISS.
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| The CRS-33 mission, launching on August 24, 2025, will carry cutting-edge biomedical and technological research to the ISS, enhancing the future of space exploration and healthcare. Image: CH |
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States — August 21, 2025:
SpaceX’s 33rd commercial resupply services (CRS) mission, funded by NASA, is scheduled to launch no earlier than 2:45 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 24, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This mission will deliver critical research and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), including investigations that focus on biomedical, physical sciences, and space computing. These studies will play a pivotal role in advancing humanity's future in space.
The ISS National Laboratory continues its efforts to foster space-based research that not only benefits Earth but also supports the burgeoning low Earth orbit economy. The investigations on this mission reflect the diversity of innovation being enabled by the ISS, covering a broad spectrum of scientific fields, from tissue engineering to edge computing.
One of the key projects aboard this mission comes from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which will study engineered liver tissue containing blood vessels in microgravity. This work, stemming from NASA's Vascular Tissue Challenge, aims to advance tissue engineering techniques, potentially paving the way for organ replacement in the future. This research could have significant applications for patients both on Earth and in future space missions, where the need for organ regeneration may be even more critical.
Another major project comes from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which will evaluate the effects of microgravity on induced pluripotent stem cells. The goal is to determine whether these cells divide faster in space, potentially accelerating breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. This could greatly impact the production of stem cell-based therapies for a range of conditions, including heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. The results could expand the possibilities of in-space manufacturing, allowing the development of therapies that might otherwise be limited by Earth-based production methods.
On the technological front, Axiom Space has partnered with Red Hat to validate edge computing technologies through the Red Hat Device Edge platform. This experiment is designed to test real-time data processing capabilities in orbit, which will be crucial for scaling research and development efforts on future space platforms. As space missions evolve, the ability to process data efficiently in orbit will be key to supporting long-duration missions and advancing space-based industries.
In addition to these professional projects, a number of student-led initiatives will also launch aboard the CRS-33 mission. These include a project from the Genes in Space competition, where students will investigate the use of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents to combat microbial infections in space. Students from several U.S. states—including Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia—will also contribute experiments through the Higher Orbits Go For Launch! program, preparing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
These investigations highlight the growing demand for space-based research and underscore the ISS’s expanding role as a global platform for innovation. The ISS National Lab continues to support these efforts, driving forward the limits of science and technology to ultimately benefit life on Earth and propel future space exploration.
For more details on the upcoming mission and to learn more about the groundbreaking science being conducted, visit NASA’s launch page.