SpaceX Dragon CRS-32 returns with sonic boom, splashes down near the coast of California
A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft concluded the CRS-32 commercial resupply mission with a sonic boom and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oceanside, California, at 01:44 EDT (05:44 UTC) on May 25, 2025. The spacecraft returned approximately 3 040 kg (6 700 pounds) of cargo from the International Space Station, including scientific experiments and crew supplies.
Footage shared by residents of Southern California captured the SpaceX Dragon CRS-32 spacecraft streaking across the night sky before its splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oceanside at 05:44 UTC on May 25.
A sharp sonic boom accompanied the reentry 3 to 5 minutes after, rattling windows and prompting widespread reports across the region.
While sonic booms during reentry are expected, renewed attention was drawn to the event due to recent changes in recovery policy.
Interestingly, multiple local neighbours are reporting an associated boom/rumble a few minutes after. I didn't hear anything because I ran inside to start posting. pic.twitter.com/jEHlo68y16
— Scott Manley (@DJSnM) May 25, 2025
SpaceX had issued warnings to residents in advance of the event, which is a routine result of objects exceeding the speed of sound.
In 2025, SpaceX transitioned Dragon recovery operations to the Pacific Ocean, following a policy change announced in August 2024. All Dragon splashdowns now occur in the Pacific due to concerns that the spacecraft’s trunk section may not fully disintegrate during atmospheric reentry and could pose a risk to populated areas if the trajectory passes over land.
A software update now ensures a controlled reentry path for the trunk, with recovery operations now based at the Port of Long Beach.
Pacific splashdown zones offer more consistent weather conditions than Atlantic ones. In addition, California’s coastal waters improve mission scheduling and reduce delays during recovery, while the proximity to West Coast infrastructure also enables faster processing of time-sensitive materials.
The spacecraft returned approximately 3 040 kg (6 700 pounds) of cargo from the International Space Station, including scientific experiments and crew supplies.
Dragon 1 C112 approaching the ISS. Credit: NASA/Johnson Space Center
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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