RNS: SpaceX successfully launched a rescue mission on Saturday, aimed at returning American astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for several months. The mission, which included two passengers aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, left two seats intentionally vacant to accommodate the astronauts’ return.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will be brought back to Earth in February as part of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission. The two have spent over 80 days aboard the ISS, a stay that has been extended due to ongoing technical difficulties with their Boeing-designed Starliner spacecraft.
Currently on the mission are NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov. Upon their return, they will bring back Wilmore and Williams, whose initial eight-day mission aboard the Starliner began on June 5 but has been prolonged due to significant issues with the capsule.
On September 7, Boeing’s Starliner successfully returned to Earth without the two astronauts, highlighting the challenges faced during this historic first crewed flight of the Starliner. As SpaceX continues its role in supporting NASA’s crew transport needs, this rescue mission underscores the complexities and risks involved in space travel.
