SpaceX Dragon spacecraft completes successful reboost test for International Space Station

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully completed a reboost test for the International Space Station (ISS), adjusting its orbit slightly. This marks a significant expansion of Dragon's capabilities, as only Northrop Grumman's Cygnus and Russia's Progress had previously performed such maneuvers. The test involved firing the Dragon's Draco thrusters for about 12.5 minutes, raising the ISS's apogee by 0.07 miles and perigee by 0.7 miles. This development supports NASA's plan to enhance ISS operations as it approaches its planned deorbiting in 2031. NASA has contracted SpaceX for $843 million to develop a specialized vehicle for the ISS's safe return to Earth. Data from the reboost test will inform the design of this vehicle and improve the performance of the Draco thrusters for future missions.