How Much Does an ISS Resupply Mission Cost?
Short answer: Under NASA Commercial Resupply Services contracts, a cargo flight to the ISS costs the agency roughly $150-250 million, covering the launch, the spacecraft, integration and the return of cargo where the vehicle can bring it back. With 2,500-3,500 kg of pressurized cargo per flight, that is on the order of $40,000-$90,000 per kilogram delivered to the station, far above a commercial LEO launch price, because the vehicle, not the rocket, is most of the cost.
2026 list and rideshare prices. Figures track the launch cost guide; contract prices vary.
Price by option
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SpaceX Cargo Dragon (CRS-2) | ~$150M-$200M per mission (est.) | Only vehicle that returns cargo to Earth intact; launches on Falcon 9 |
| Northrop Grumman Cygnus | ~$200M-$250M per mission (est.) | Disposes of trash on re-entry; has flown on Antares and Falcon 9 |
| JAXA HTV-X | Government program | Japan in-kind contribution to ISS operations; launches on H3 |
| Sierra Space Dream Chaser (planned) | CRS-2 contract | Runway landing; first flight pending |
The costs that are not on the price list
- Late-load cargo, cold-stowage science and time-critical biology drive the schedule and the price.
- Return capability (Dragon) is worth a premium to researchers; disposal-only vehicles carry trash down.
- ISS retirement (~2030) is why commercial stations are courting the same cargo providers now.
Frequently asked
How much cargo does one mission carry?
Cargo Dragon carries up to ~3,300 kg of pressurized and unpressurized cargo; Cygnus around 3,500-3,750 kg pressurized. Crew supplies, spare parts and science experiments compete for the manifest.
Why is it so much more than $3,000 per kilogram?
The launch is only part of the bill. A pressurized, docking, life-support-compatible spacecraft that NASA certifies for proximity operations at a crewed station costs far more than the rocket under it.