In a pivotal moment for NASA and SpaceX, the Crew-10 mission successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 12:05 a.m. EST on Sunday, March 16, 2025. This mission paves the way for the return of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, who have been on the ISS since June 2024 due to technical issues with their original return vehicle.
Mission Overview
- Launch Details: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:03 p.m. EST on Friday, March 14, 2025, carrying four astronauts designated to replace the current ISS crew members.
- Crew Composition: The incoming crew consists of NASA astronauts Raja Chari and Kayla Barron, along with European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata.
Background on Stranded Astronauts
Astronauts Wilmore and Williams were initially transported to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024. Their mission was intended to last approximately eight days; however, post-docking inspections revealed thruster and helium leak issues in the Starliner, rendering it unsafe for the return journey. Consequently, their stay was extended indefinitely until a safe return method could be arranged.
Challenges and Delays
The Crew-10 mission faced several setbacks prior to its successful launch:
- Hydraulic System Issue: A hydraulic problem with the ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket led to a postponement of the initial launch attempt scheduled for March 12, 2025.
- Rescheduled Launch: Following prompt resolution of the technical issue, the mission was rescheduled and successfully launched on March 14, 2025.
Current Status and Next Steps
With the successful docking of Crew-10, Wilmore and Williams are slated to return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon capsule. Their return is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2025, concluding an unexpected nine-month tenure aboard the ISS.
