NASA has successfully launched its Crew-10 mission, heralding the long-awaited return of astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on March 14, 2025, at 7:03 p.m. EDT, marking the end of a prolonged mission for the duo, who unexpectedly found themselves aboard the ISS for almost nine months.
Initially, Williams and Wilmore were expected to conduct their mission aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for just a week following its first crewed flight test on June 6, 2024. Unfortunately, the Starliner faced multiple technical difficulties upon reaching orbit, including five helium leaks and failure of thruster systems, leading NASA to conclude it was unsafe to return them on the Starliner. Consequently, they were to await their ride back to Earth with the Crew-10 team.
Carrying crew members Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov, the Crew-10 capsule, dubbed Endurance, is expected to dock at the ISS on March 15, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. EDT. This mission signifies more than just another launch; it symbolizes the culmination of efforts to retrieve the two astronauts who had become part of the long-term crew during what was initially meant to be a short stay.
The Crew-10 mission was initially planned for March 12, 2025, but had to be postponed twice, first due to hydraulic issues and then due to high winds. NASA and SpaceX resolved these problems, allowing for the successful launch. McClain, the mission commander, expressed gratitude to the teams working across the globe to facilitate the launch, emphasizing, "Spaceflight is tough, but humans are tougher."
The docking at the ISS will enable Williams and Wilmore to collaborate with their replacements for about two days prior to departing for Earth on March 19, 2025. They had initially joined the ISS as part of the Crew-9 mission following the arrival of the Crew-9 Dragon capsule, piloted by astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.
During their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore undertook numerous scientific research projects and maintenance tasks, contributing to the station's operations. Notably, Williams broke the record for the most time spent on spacewalks by any woman, amassing 62 hours and 6 minutes. With their expertise and experience, the pair played integral roles on the ISS team.
Despite some media portrayals of them as “stranded,” both astronauts clarified their status, stressing they never felt abandoned. "That's been the narrative from day one, stranded, abandoned, stuck... But we come prepared. We come committed," Wilmore stated, underscoring the extensive planning surrounding human spaceflight endeavors.
Coming back to Earth will not just signify the end of their long wait but also bring them closure on what was intended to be a brief mission transformed by unexpected complications. The return will take place on the Crew-9 Dragon capsule, the same vehicle used to bring them back home this coming week. With their return, NASA ensures continuity and safety aboard the ISS as crew members rotate responsibly and effectively, managing scientific missions.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich remarked, "This is a huge mission for us on Crew-10. They’ve all done amazing work." He acknowledges the strategic importance of Crew-10's arrival to maintain operational stability on the ISS. Following their handover ceremony, wherein Williams assumed command from colleague Alexey Ovchinin, it will be Onishi’s turn to take on the expedition lead for the next phase of ISS operations.
All focus will now be on ensuring the safe return and re-entry of the Crew-9 astronauts. That's scheduled to happen just off Florida’s Gulf Coast after docking takes place, with successful splashdown anticipated shortly thereafter. With their impending return, Williams and Wilmore will finally see their families after their rigorous time away, demonstrating not just the challenges of spaceflight but the resilience of human spirit and the pursuit of science.
For the astronauts, returning home to Earth means reuniting with loved ones, including pets. Williams expressed her eagerness to reunite with her two dogs, stating, "It’s been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us." With Crew-10's arrival, the continued progress of space exploration and research is ensured, with scientists pushing closer to the goals of human advancement beyond our planet.
The Crew-10 mission marks another successful chapter for NASA and SpaceX, reinforcing their commitment to human spaceflight and the exploration of the final frontier. With plans for future missions already on the horizon, both organizations look forward to forging new paths as technology evolves and we strive to venture even farther.