SpaceX successfully launched NASA's Crew-10 mission from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on March 14, 2025, at 7:03 PM EDT. The mission aims to bring home two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months.
The Crew-10 mission includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, alongside Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. They will relieve NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been aboard the ISS since June 6, 2024, as part of the Boeing Starliner mission.
Initially, the Crew-10 launch was scheduled for March 12, 2025, but difficulties related to a hydraulic ground issue forced NASA to call off the attempt. Following successful repairs, the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off, marking another milestone for SpaceX's partnership with NASA.
Wilmore and Williams, who were only supposed to stay on the station for about one week, encountered extensive delays due to various technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, including helium leaks and thruster failures. The Starliner was deemed unfit for their return and eventually returned to Earth without crew.
They remain grateful for their extended stay aboard the ISS, with Wilmore asserting, "It’s been trying at times, no doubt. But stranded? No. Stuck? No. Abandoned? No." Meanwhile, Williams added, "I don’t think those words are quite accurate. We are part of something bigger than ourselves, we are part of the International Space Station.”
Despite being referred to as “stranded” by some observers, both astronauts emphasized their willingness to contribute to scientific endeavors and keep operations running smoothly during their unexpected extended duration.
The Crew-10 team is set to conduct experiments and technology demonstrations, including flammability tests for future spacecraft designs and research exploring the effects of microgravity on the human body. They will occupy the station for approximately six months, filling the roles left by Wilmore and Williams.
After docking on March 15, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM EDT, the Crew-9 team, which includes Wilmore and Williams, will begin preparations for their departure. Their return is expected no sooner than March 19, 2025, weather permitting.
This mission takes on additional significance as it has incited political discussions surrounding the responsibilities of space agencies and crew placement decisions. Former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have suggested their extended stay was influenced by political factors instead of engineering ones, which created controversy within the space community.
Wilmore voiced his support for NASA's decisions, clarifying, "We came prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short. That’s what your nation’s human spaceflight program’s all about, planning for unknown, unexpected contingencies. And we did That.”
The Crew-10 astronauts will now pave the way for Wilmore and Williams' long-anticipated return home, which will allow both astronauts to reunite with their families after enduring months of absence. Wilmore expressed his eagerness to return, particularly to reconnect with his family, including his wife and two daughters, noting, “We appreciate all the love and support from everybody.”
Williams, too, is excited about returning home, sharing her yearning to see her pets and interact with friends. With their mission bringing significant attention to space exploration, both astronauts feel pride and responsibility over their role, stating, “This mission has brought attention. There’s goods and bads to That. But I think the good part is more and more people are interested in what we’re doing.”
With future NASA missions planned, including Crew-11 expected to launch no earlier than July 2025 aboard SpaceX’s technology, the collaboration between NASA and SpaceX appears poised for continued advancements.