Orbiting Earth at high velocity, the SpaceX Dragon capsule recorded a stunning video of the International Space Station (ISS) in flight.
August 2, 2025 - Four astronauts and a cosmonaut have successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month mission aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon. The crew launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, and are set to stay aboard the ISS until returning home in the same Crew Dragon.
The ISS, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes or so, is currently a robust, enhanced modular station. It operates at an altitude of approximately 407 km and consists of 43 modules and elements, assembled from contributions by five international space agencies. The station's recent additions include the Nauka module, docked in July 2021, and the Prichal module, docked in November 2021, both contributions from Russia.
In addition to structural updates, the ISS's power generation capacity has been significantly enhanced with the installation of new solar arrays. This upgrade has increased power generation from 120 kW to 215 kW, supporting ongoing operations and research. The solar array wingspan now extends to approximately 72.8 meters, supporting this increased output.
Regular maintenance continues aboard the ISS, including critical systems such as the water reclamation system, ensuring sustainable long-duration habitation. As of August 2025, the ISS still maintains a continuous human presence and hosts multiple docked spacecraft for crew rotation and cargo supply, including various SpaceX Dragon and Russian Soyuz and Progress vehicles.
Looking ahead, NASA plans to retire the ISS around 2030, with a transition strategy focusing on commercial space stations where NASA will become a customer rather than an operator. This transition is expected to be completed by 2029, ensuring continuous low Earth orbit presence post-ISS.
As the Crew Dragon soared into an orbital sunset, it shared a dramatic view of the ISS orbiting Earth. The ISS, slightly shorter than the full length of an American football field, including the end zones, is larger than a six-bedroom house, with dimensions of 356 feet (109 meters) end-to-end.
The crewmembers viewed the ISS from the SpaceX Dragon before docking, which is targeted for 2:26am ET today. The footage includes a view of the screens inside the Crew Dragon as it prepares for docking with the ISS. The mission marks another successful step in the ongoing operations and research being conducted on the ISS.
- The International Space Station (ISS), which operates at an altitude of approximately 407 km, has recently undergone advancements in both structure and technology, with the installation of new solar arrays increasing power generation from 120 kW to 215 kW.
- On August 2, 2025,space-and-astronomy enthusiasts gained a unique general-news perspective as NASA's latest mission aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon offered a breathtaking view of the ISS, a structure larger than a six-bedroom house, orbiting Earth.
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