SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has achieved another milestone by successfully reboosting the International Space Station (ISS), elevating its orbit by about a mile. This strategic move further reduces the ISS's dependency on Russian launch vehicles.

The reboost was accomplished using a specialized kit nestled in the trunk of the SpaceX CRS-33 Dragon cargo spacecraft. Equipped with two Draco engines, this isolated system was put to the test to demonstrate its capability to maintain the altitude of the ISS.

During a precise five-minute burn, the maneuver adjusted the ISS's orbit to altitudes of 260.9 x 256.3 miles. This is just the beginning, as managers plan additional reboosts this fall, which will include a series of longer engine burns.

In addition to the SpaceX capabilities, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo spacecraft can also perform limited reboosts. Furthermore, a demonstration in 2024 confirmed that the Dragon spacecraft itself is capable of nudging the ISS using its own engines.

With the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the cessation of the European Space Agency's ATV program, the Russian Progress vehicles had been the mainstay for ISS orbit reboosts. Consequently, this shift opens up new operational doors for SpaceX.

In related news, the current state of the Russian space program has raised eyebrows. The CEO of Rocket and Space Corporation Energia recently urged his team to face the harsh realities of their situation, revealing an internal struggle within Russian space endeavors.

As leaks persist on the ISS following recent repair attempts, and with upcoming missions being adjusted, including Axiom Mission 4's launch, the timing of SpaceX's advancements could not be more critical.