Crew Dragon successfully docks with the ISS to rescue astronauts stranded for nearly nine months.
On March 16, 2025, at 11:04 AM Kuzbass time, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft accomplished its docking procedure with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Crew-10 mission. This mission reflects significant advancements and challenges within human spaceflight, particularly after the difficulties experienced by two astronauts left adrift much longer than planned.
The Crew-10 mission aboard the Crew Dragon includes distinguished personnel: Russian astronaut Kirill Peskov, American commander Ann McClain, pilot Nicole Ayers, and Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi. This diversification reflects the collaborative spirit of international space exploration.
The primary objective of Crew Dragon's arrival was to rescue two astronauts who became stranded on the ISS since June 5, 2024, due to complications with the Boeing Starliner capsule earlier set for their return. NASA astronaut Nick Hague welcomed the incoming Crew Dragon team, humorously donning an alien mask, indicating the lighter moments shared among the crew.
Sunita Williams, one of the stranded astronauts, expressed her joy upon the arrival of her colleagues. "This was a wonderful day. It was nice to see our friends arrive," she stated jubilantly from the Flight Control Center after the Crew Dragon's docking, highlighting the camaraderie and emotional impact of this rescue operation.
Upon docking, Butch Wilmore, another astronaut aboard the ISS, unlatched the hatch and greeted the new personnel with hugs and handshakes. This exchange symbolizes not only the logistics of space missions but also the emotional bonds formed within the tight-knit community of astronauts.
Following the initial greetings, Williams and Wilmore will play pivotal roles over the next few days. They will assist the newcomers to acclimate to life on the ISS, imparting wisdom and camaraderie.
"It was nice to see our friends arrive," Williams shared, embodying the support system forged among astronauts on extended missions.
Plans are already underway for Williams and Wilmore, together with Hague and cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, to begin their return trip to Earth aboard the Dragon Capsule on March 19, 2025. This return has been long awaited after the duo was left on the ISS far beyond initial expectations, where they were supposed to spend no more than eight days.
The space ordeal for the two began when they traveled to the ISS aboard the Boeing Starliner, which has since been grappling with numerous technological hindrances. Given these prevailing issues, NASA deemed it safer to return the spacecraft empty, prioritizing the safety of all astronauts rather than taking risks inherent to their return. It led to accusations from SpaceX's founder, Elon Musk, among others, asserting they were left behind due to political reasons. Nevertheless, Williams and Wilmore refute these claims, emphasizing strong operations and solidarity among colleagues.
This docking marks another significant chapter for SpaceX, reaffirming its role as a pivotal player in space exploration and logistics. On behalf of the Crew Dragon mission, its owner Elon Musk has not only developed cutting-edge technology but continues to restructure space missions globally.
Meanwhile, the recent successes of Crew Dragon missions buttress findings about long-term space habitation. Cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, who also traveled on the Crew Dragon, recorded spending 235 Earth days on the ISS, exemplifying the growing resilience and capabilities of humans living and working beyond Earth.
Continuing with various space missions worldwide peering through the lens of science and politics, the narratives of individual astronauts will shape future public perceptions of space travel.
Today, as we witness the Crew-10 mission's achievements, humanity draws closer to peering its gaze firmly toward the stars, battling not only the challenges of incredible distances but the very nature of unity amid pushing limits.