New Crew Launches to the International Space Station, Setting the Stage for the Return of Stranded NASA Astronauts
Late Friday, a new team of astronauts was launched to the International Space Station (ISS), marking an important step toward returning NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded in space for nine months.
The launch was carried out by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew consists of four members: NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan’s Takuya Onishi, and Russia’s Kirill Peskov. This crew is part of the routine six-month rotation to maintain operations aboard the ISS.
The Crew-10 mission, along with the Dragon spacecraft, is scheduled to arrive at the space station around midnight on Saturday, bringing fresh supplies and support for the ongoing mission, while also enabling the planned return of Wilmore and Williams to Earth.
NASA and Russian Crew to Return to Earth Amid Delays
Along with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will also be returning to Earth. The planned return is scheduled for Wednesday, allowing both teams sufficient time to exchange information and complete necessary procedures.
Wilmore and Williams arrived at the International Space Station in June 2024, originally scheduled for a stay of about 10 days. However, their return was delayed due to mechanical issues with their spacecraft. After several weeks of repairs, the spacecraft was sent back to Earth without a crew onboard. The return had been postponed multiple times because of additional technical delays, but current plans aim to bring the crew home safely on the upcoming Wednesday.
