NASA has officially announced the postponement of the launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, which was initially set to lift off on March 13, 2025. According to their statement on March 12, 2025, the new launch window is now on or after the morning of March 15, 2025, Japan time. This decision affects the mission involving four astronauts, including Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, who is preparing for his return to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying Takuya Onishi and three other astronauts - Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers from NASA, and Kirill Peskov from Russia’s Roscosmos - was initially scheduled to launch at 8:48 AM Japan time on March 13. Unfortunately, approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled launch, NASA discovered hydraulic system issues related to the ground equipment’s clamp arm. This necessitated the postponement of the mission.
NASA explained, "The decision to delay was made to prioritize safety, as the malfunction needed to be thoroughly investigated before any launch could proceed." The astronauts were diverted back to their designated safe area after the delay announcement. Prior to this, they had been preparing for what was expected to be the start of their six-month mission aboard the ISS.
Onishi, who is 49 years old and hails from Tokyo, is notable not just as part of this mission but also as he is poised to become the ISS commander during this mission. He is only the third Japanese astronaut to hold this prestigious role during his approximately six-month tenure on the ISS, expected to carry out significant scientific research and conduct operations within the ISS.
This mission, designated Crew-10, marks another pivotal step for Onishi, as he expressed during an NHK interview last year, his aspirations to gain more experience with extravehicular activities during his long stay. "This will be my last stay aboard the ISS," he remarked, signifying both the personal and professional importance of the mission for him.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft is commonly used for missions to the ISS, capable of carrying up to seven astronauts. It features advanced automation for launch and docking processes, requiring only minimal input from the crew to monitor the systems. The spacecraft set to be used, named "Endurance," has been reused several times successfully, which speaks to the turning point in space travel where reusable technology helps reduce costs and increase mission cadence.
The Falcon 9 rocket, which is responsible for launching the Crew Dragon, is another prime example of SpaceX's technological advancements. A two-stage rocket, it has successfully completed hundreds of missions, remaining highly reliable for both manned spaceflights and cargo deliveries to the ISS. NASA emphasized again the commitment to reliability and safety during press updates.
Onishi and his fellow astronauts were initially excited about the prospect of their mission; the launch was set to mark their entry back to the ISS, hosting various scientific initiatives and international collaboration. With ISS operations prolonging due to current malfunctions with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which has stranded two astronauts longer than expected, the timely launch of Crew Dragon becomes even more integral.
Despite the disappointment stemming from the last-minute postponement, officials have indicated optimism for the re-scheduled launch window."We’re doing everything we can to resolve the situation with the clamps so we can go for launch next week," said NASA's spokesperson, encouraging the public and mission enthusiasts to remain patient.
The restart of operations at the Kennedy Space Center has garnered attention, along with calls from numerous space enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next steps of the launch. For the upcoming Crew-10 mission, NASA and its partners prioritize astronaut safety and mission success above all else.
The following days leading up to the new launch window are proving to be rife with excitement as preparations are made to adapt to the adjustments required by the cementing of the program's future milestones.
NASA’s focus will remain squarely on ensuring all systems are fully operational before any attempt at launch. This iconic partnership with SpaceX echoes the agency's broader commitment to improve human spaceflight capabilities, ensuring reliable access to low-Earth orbit and beyond.