NASA has decided to reorganize some SpaceX Dragon capsules to expedite the launch of its Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station.
The agency is now aiming for a March 12 launch for Crew-10, which will transport three astronauts and a cosmonaut to the ISS. The four crew members are set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to low-Earth orbit, with their seats on the Crew Dragon Endurance capsule, NASA announced Tuesday (Feb. 11). Upon arrival at the ISS, Crew-10 will relieve the currently stationed Crew-9 astronauts, who were initially expected to return in February.
Crew-9 astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, in particular, will likely welcome Crew-10’s arrival as they conclude their nearly ten-month stay on the ISS. Williams and Wilmore’s stay was extended due to technical issues that prevented their initial return via Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This unexpected extension led to a rearrangement of crew schedules, with Crew-9 launching with only two of the four planned astronauts, leaving seats open for Williams and Wilmore on the return journey.
Due to the delays and reorganizations, Crew-8 astronauts are also preparing to return to Earth in their Crew Dragon around the time Crew-10 arrives at the ISS.
After facing multiple delays and media coverage labeling them as “stranded astronauts,” Williams and Wilmore found themselves entangled in online discussions during a time of political transition.
Amidst these discussions, President Donald Trump publicly voiced concerns over the situation, prompting responses and assurances from NASA and SpaceX regarding the safe return of Crew-9.
Now, NASA has opted to launch the Crew-10 mission using a flight-proven spacecraft, the Crew Dragon Endurance, in order to meet the March 12 target launch date without waiting for a new Dragon capsule to be completed.
Endurance, which has previously flown multiple missions, is currently undergoing preparations for the upcoming launch.
Following the Crew-10 mission, Crew-9 astronauts are expected to return to Earth at the end of March and splashdown off the coast of Florida.
