A SpaceX spacecraft launched this weekend to retrieve two astronauts who have been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) following technical issues with their return spacecraft. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday. Their mission is to safely return fellow astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been stuck aboard the ISS for weeks.
Original NASA Crew Replaced to Aid Stranded Colleagues
Originally, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission included astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson. However, the two voluntarily gave up their seats to make room for Williams and Wilmore. The switch was made necessary after technical issues plagued the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was meant to bring the two stranded astronauts back to Earth.
Starliner’s Technical Troubles
Williams and Wilmore were initially scheduled to return on June 13 after successfully launching aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. But their return was delayed due to persistent issues with the Starliner spacecraft.
Before the June 5 launch, a previous attempt on June 1 was aborted moments before takeoff due to a computer performance problem. During the Starliner’s 25-hour journey to the ISS, several technical malfunctions arose, including helium leaks and a malfunctioning thruster. Once the spacecraft finally arrived on June 6, four of its 28 thrusters failed, delaying the docking process and further complicating the mission.
Rescue Mission Launched Despite Weather Concerns
NASA’s latest mission to bring the stranded astronauts home faced additional delays due to the effects of Hurricane Helene. Concerns about weather conditions, including rain and storms, almost postponed the launch again. Fortunately, the skies cleared just in time for Saturday’s successful liftoff.
Go #Crew9! A @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is on its way to the @Space_Station following today's launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The new crew arrives at the orbiting lab Sunday, Sept. 29, for a five-month science mission: https://t.co/MGfQEm00Fd pic.twitter.com/sHtbOBEjlE
— NASA (@NASA) September 28, 2024
Scientific Research Continues on the ISS
While waiting for their return, Williams and Wilmore have been busy aboard the ISS. “The crew will carry out over 200 scientific investigations during their mission,” NASA reported. Some of these studies include research on blood clotting in space, the effects of moisture on plants, and changes in astronauts’ vision during prolonged space travel.
Expected Return to Earth in February 2025
The rescue mission is expected to successfully dock with the ISS by Sunday, after which all four astronauts will continue their research duties. NASA has stated that Williams and Wilmore, along with Hague and Gorbunov, will return to Earth in February 2025.
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