SpaceX launches falcon rocket to rescue stranded astronauts
Falcon rocket mission to bring back astronauts stranded by Starliner issues
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with two crew members to deliver the Dragon capsule to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission aims to bring back astronauts stranded by Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule next year.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were launched on the Starliner in June. The capsule faced thruster problems and helium leaks, making it too risky to return them to Earth after the planned eight-day mission. The crewless Starliner landed in New Mexico earlier this month, while Wilmore and Williams stayed on the ISS.
NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov launched from the Kennedy Space Center with two empty seats on Dragon, scheduled to bring Wilmore and Williams home in February. Two astronauts were cut from the SpaceX mission to accommodate Wilmore and Williams.
Hague and Gorbunov are expected to arrive at the ISS Sunday afternoon. Four other astronauts, delayed by the Starliner’s issues, will return to Earth in their own SpaceX capsule. Hague mentioned the evolving nature of space missions and noted that changes are sometimes more visible to the public.
Falcon 9 launches Crew-9, the first human spaceflight mission to launch from pad 40 in Florida pic.twitter.com/BYpPPtaKqm
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 28, 2024
NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy called human spaceflight “complicated and dynamic” during a post-launch news conference. She noted the change from four to two crew members was significant but necessary. The two astronauts cut from the mission supported Hague and Gorbunov emotionally at the launch.
Melroy praised the ISS as a unique place that allows people to look beyond gravity and develop technologies for exploring the solar system. Hague and Gorbunov will conduct hundreds of experiments on the ISS, including studying human cells and blood clotting.
Dana Hutcherson, deputy program manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, reported that Hague and Gorbunov were safely in orbit after a smooth launch. They are expected to land at the ISS around 5.30pm eastern time Sunday. The crew was getting out of their suits and preparing for docking operations.
Upon docking at the ISS, a welcome ceremony is planned for Hague and Gorbunov.
What Other Media Are Saying
- FOX 10 Phoenix reports on SpaceX’s launch of a rescue mission for two stranded NASA astronauts, emphasising the mission’s significance and the prolonged wait for their return in February. (Read more)
- CTV News: SpaceX launches rescue mission for two NASA astronauts stuck at the ISS, highlighting NASA’s reliance on SpaceX for timely return amidst Boeing’s Starliner issues. (Read more)
- ABC News reports NASA preparing to launch a SpaceX capsule to bring home stranded astronauts Wilmore and Williams, extending their stay on ISS due to Boeing Starliner malfunctions. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When did SpaceX launch its Falcon rocket from Cape Canaveral?
SpaceX launched the Falcon rocket on Saturday.
Why were two astronauts cut from the SpaceX mission?
Two astronauts were cut to make room for Wilmore and Williams.
What issues did the Boeing Starliner encounter?
The Boeing Starliner had thruster problems and helium leaks.
Who are the astronauts bringing Wilmore and Williams back to Earth?
NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov.
What will Hague and Gorbunov do once they reach the ISS?
They will conduct hundreds of experiments, including studying human cells and blood clotting.
