NASA and SpaceX have rescheduled the launch of the Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) after the original launch was scrubbed due to technical issues at the launch pad. The mission is now targeted for March 14, 2025, at 7:03 p.m. EDT (2303 UTC).
On March 12, 2025, less than one hour before the scheduled takeoff, engineers detected concerns with the hydraulic system, which is responsible for releasing one of the two support arms clamping the Falcon 9 rocket to the platform. Just hours prior, the rocket was deemed ready for launch. High winds and poor weather conditions were also factored as reasons for the delay, leading to vehicle safety precautions being prioritized by mission managers.
The Crew-10 mission involves NASA astronaut Anne McClain, who will command the mission, along with fellow NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. They are slated to stay aboard the space station for approximately six months, contributing to various scientific and technological experiments.
When launched, the four astronauts will board the Dragon Endurance spacecraft, which has previously flown on several successful missions. This current mission marks the fourth flight for the spacecraft, following its previous roles with Crew-3, Crew-5, and Crew-7 missions. While initially planned to fly the fifth Crew Dragon spacecraft, NASA opted for the Dragon Endurance due to delays with the new spacecraft’s readiness.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, commended the joint NASA and SpaceX team for their adaptability and dedication during this unique challenge, praising their commitment to safety. “Over the past six weeks, the joint NASA, SpaceX team has displayed remarkable dedication, adaptability, and expertise,” he stated. “I'm immensely proud of the collective effort put forth to resolve late-breaking technical issues.”
The Falcon 9 rocket boosting this crew flight, tail number B1090, is currently embarking on its second mission. Its first flight was on December 17, 2024, when it delivered satellites for the SES company.
Prior to the Crew-10 launch, there was also concern stemming from a fuel leak during the Starlink 12-20 mission on March 2, which caused the destruction of another booster. NASA received updates from SpaceX's investigation and on March 9, conducted thorough checks on the Falcon 9’s engine compartment. Sufficient evidence was gathered to allow the upcoming launch to proceed.
Due to limited resources onboard the ISS, the handover between the Crew-10 and current Crew-9 mission is to be expedited. NASA program manager Dana Weigel explained, “We shortened the handover for two days just to conserve consumables onboard,” optimizing the timeline for crew transfers.
The Crew-9 crew members, including NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been onboard since June 2024, will return once Crew-10 arrives. Wilmore and Williams were initially slated for just ten days aboard the ISS as passengers on Boeing's Starliner. Still, issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system led to their extended stay and subsequent transfer to SpaceX for their eventual return.
Wilmore and Williams’ predicament was amplified by political scrutiny, with both former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk making claims about their alleged prolonged stay being orchestrated by the Biden administration. These allegations have been dismissed by both astronauts. “We have been doing what’s right for the team,” Williams asserted. “Our deployments have been extended, and we've been focused on our mission onboard the ISS.”
This strategic utilization of the various spacecraft also highlights the partnership between NASA and private sectors like SpaceX. Since 2020, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has been NASA’s only operational vehicle for transporting astronauts to the ISS, after Boeing’s Starliner experienced numerous delays and engineering challenges.
Meanwhile, anticipated future missions alongside Crew-10 are shaping up as the ISS continues to function as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research. Both domestic and international researchers leverage the unique microgravity environment to conduct experiments, with Crew-10 playing its pivotal role.
Overall, as the countdown continues toward the next launch attempt, it is clear the stakes remain high to prioritize safety and efficiency within space exploration endeavors. The pressing need to return Wilmore and Williams home marks not just the resilience of human spaceflight efforts but also the intertwined relationships between government agencies and the private sector.