SpaceX Crew-9 arrives at ISS for Sunita Williams’ safe return to Earth | Watch Video
Their mission was to facilitate the safe return of Williams and Wilmore, whose original spacecraft encountered mechanical problems shortly after launch.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, designated as part of the Crew-9 mission, has successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) to rescue NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Both astronauts have been stranded on the ISS since June due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was initially scheduled to bring them back to Earth.
The Crew Dragon, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian astronaut Alexander Gorbunov, launched from Cape Space Force Station and arrived with the ISS. Their mission was to facilitate the safe return of Williams and Wilmore, whose original spacecraft encountered mechanical problems shortly after launch.
Upon arrival, Hague and Gorbunov were warmly welcomed by the Expedition 72 crew, including Sunita Williams, who is now the commander of the ISS. A video released by NASA’s Johnson Space Center showed Williams expressing her gratitude to the newly arrived crew members, saying, “I just want to say welcome to our new compadres.”
Extended stay due to starliner failure
Williams and Wilmore had initially planned to spend only eight days in space. However, their stay was extended to more than eight months due to safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was on its first crewed test flight. The Starliner suffered thruster failures and helium leaks shortly after liftoff, prompting NASA to consider it unsafe for the astronauts’ return journey.
As a result, the Starliner was returned to Earth without any crew members earlier this month, landing safely in the New Mexico desert. NASA then made the decision to use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the rescue mission, requiring adjustments to the crew schedule.
Two astronauts, Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, were removed from the Crew-9 mission to make space for Wilmore and Williams on the return leg of the journey. Both Wilmore and Williams, retired Navy captains, have continued to contribute to scientific research and maintenance on the ISS during their extended stay.
Smooth ride and successful arrival
Nick Hague, who is leading the rescue mission, praised the smooth journey of the Crew Dragon. “Alex and I had a smooth ride up here,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of the SpaceX and NASA teams who prepared the mission. NASA confirmed that the hatch between the ISS and the Crew Dragon was opened at 7:04 p.m. EDT, allowing Hague and Gorbunov to enter the space station.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also shared the success of the mission on social media, tweeting, “Dragon has reached @Space_Station.”
Astronauts’ return planned for 2025
The Crew Dragon’s arrival marks an important step toward the safe return of the astronauts. The four members of the ISS crew, who have been aboard since March, will prepare to return to Earth within the next week aboard another SpaceX capsule. This will restore the ISS crew size to its normal seven members after the temporary increase caused by the Starliner’s failure.
Wilmore and Williams are scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025, ending their extended mission. They have spent their time aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments and routine maintenance to ensure the station’s continued operations.
Hague emphasized the importance of teamwork during this challenging mission, stating, “We’ve got a dynamic challenge ahead of us. We know each other, and we’re professionals who step up and do what’s asked of us.”
The successful docking of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and the upcoming return of Williams and Wilmore mark another achievement in NASA’s ongoing partnership with SpaceX, ensuring the safety of astronauts aboard the ISS.
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