SpaceX's scheduled Crew-10 mission, aimed at returning stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth, has been postponed due to hydraulic issues on the launch pad. Planned for March 12, 2025, at 7:48 p.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center, NASA has now shifted its target date to March 13, 2025, as engineers work to resolve the clamp arm malfunction affecting the Falcon 9 rocket.
Williams and Wilmore arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for what was intended to be merely an eight-day mission. Problems with the spacecraft's thrusters led NASA to deem Starliner unsafe for their return, forcing the two astronauts to remain on the ISS for over nine months instead.
SpaceX's Crew-10 mission, comprising NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Japan's Takuya Onishi and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, was to be the transition point allowing for the crew change on the ISS. The astronauts were to take over some responsibilities as they settled on the ISS, preparing for their predecessors' return with Crew-9.
NASA program manager Steve Stich explained, "NASA teams spent all summer reviewing the data on Starliner and felt there was too much risk concerning the vehicle's thrusters." The announcement of the delay came just 43 minutes before the scheduled launch, reflecting the high stakes involved.
Reflecting on their extraordinary circumstances, both Williams, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have adapted to their extended stay. Williams expressed optimism about their unique perspective on space, stating, "This is my happy place," though she admitted to missing her family and pets back on Earth. Wilmore echoed similar sentiments about the prolonged experience, saying they were mentally prepared to stay longer if necessary, remarking, "It's never entered my mind" to feel upset about the delay.
Following the postponement, SpaceX indicated they are targeting March 13 as the next possible launch window. NASA officials have been working closely with SpaceX after the mishap, hoping to remedy the hydraulic issue with the clamp arm quickly to facilitate the launch.
Upon Crew-10's arrival at the ISS, Williams and Wilmore are expected to return to Earth shortly thereafter. Initial estimations suggested they could come back as early as March 16 if the Crew-10 mission launches as planned. Until then, they continue supporting scientific research and maintenance aboard the ISS.
NASA's Coverage for the Crew-10 launch will be extensive, with live broadcasts anticipated and coverage beginning one hour betimes. The planned missions are part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation to and from the orbital outpost.
SpaceX has begun live webcasts, allowing viewers to track their next steps as they aim to send Crew-10 to the ISS. Once confirmed, excitement will build for the dual missions, emphasizing international partnerships, including collaboration with JAXA and Roscosmos.
The drama surrounding the delayed launch and its impact on the scheduled return of Williams and Wilmore has captured public attention. Political figures have even weighed in, speculating on the potential motives for the mission delays, though NASA's narratives have remained focused purely on safety and technology management.
Finally, with astronauts' safety firmly at the forefront, officials continue to prepare for the forthcoming missions with optimism. Regardless of delays, the mission exemplifies commitment to human space exploration and scientific discovery, with the legacy of both NASA and SpaceX pushing forward together.