SpaceX Dragon Delivers a Warm Welcome to Astronauts on the International Space Station, September 1-5, 2025.

The International Space Station (ISS) has reached new heights this week, thanks to a SpaceX craft that was used for the first time to reboost the orbiting complex. Ground controllers successfully reoriented the station and tested the new Dragon reboost kit, increasing the ISS's altitude above Earth.

The Expedition 73 crew, consisting of six astronauts and one cosmonaut, has been conducting research on the ISS. Notable studies include the Cardiobreath study, aimed at improving future crews' exercise regimes, and the Microgravity Associated Bone Loss-B study, which seeks to understand astronauts' skeletal system changes over missions.

During a live Q&A session from the ISS on September 5, JAXA's Kimiya Yui and NASA's Jonny Kim discussed the importance of exploration. Yui stated that exploration is crucial for humans to live happily because it provides a frontier. Kim, on the other hand, expressed his love for both life in space and Earth, considering Earth his home and where his loved ones are.

In addition to research and discussions, the astronauts have been busy unloading science and logistical supplies from the Dragon cargo craft, which arrived at the ISS last week. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Zena Cardman worked tirelessly on this task.

The ISS has been continuously crewed for 24 years, 10 months, and 3 days as of Friday. Currently, there are 7 individuals aboard: 6 astronauts and 1 cosmonaut. Three docked cargo craft—Roscosmos' Progress MS-30 (91P) and Progress MS-31 (92P), and SpaceX's CRS-33 Dragon craft—and two docked crew craft—SpaceX's Dragon "Endeavour" and Roscosmos' Soyuz MS-27—are currently attached to the ISS.

One of the topics discussed during the Q&A was the reason for space exploration. Kim emphasized the importance of exploration in inspiring the next generation. Yui also inspected the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device for its support of various physical activities, including bicycling, rowing, resistive capabilities, and training with rope pulling and climbing.

Apart from their scientific duties, the astronauts took time to answer questions from students, including one about whether they would choose to live in space or on Earth. While each astronaut may have their personal preference, they all agreed that the spirit of exploration and discovery is what drives them to venture into the unknown.