Crew-10 Mission: A Long-Awaited Return, Not a Trumpian Rescue

NASA’s upcoming launch of the Crew-10 mission marks a critical step in resolving a prolonged and unexpected situation: the return of two astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft was deemed unfit for their return journey. While the mission will undoubtedly bring closure to this extended stay in space, it’s important to understand the full context and dispel any narratives that misrepresent the situation, particularly those promoted by former President Donald Trump.

The Crew-10 mission, spearheaded by SpaceX, is slated to deliver a fresh crew to the ISS, enabling the homecoming of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. These two astronauts have been residing on the orbital lab for the past nine months, significantly longer than initially planned. Joining them on their return to Earth will be the two members of Crew-9, who arrived at the ISS in September of the previous year.

Scheduled for launch on Wednesday at 7:48 p.m. ET from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is anticipated to dock at the ISS around 6 a.m. ET on Thursday. On board the Dragon spacecraft will be NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) mission specialist Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. This team will embark on a four-month mission, contributing to ongoing research and operations aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The arrival of Crew-10 is especially significant because it will finally facilitate the Starliner crew’s return after a brief four-day handover period. Wilmore and Williams were launched to the ISS aboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner on June 5, 2024. However, a series of technical issues and safety concerns led to the determination that the spacecraft was not suitable to transport the crew back to Earth.

The ramifications of this decision were substantial, necessitating a reassessment of NASA’s plans and the development of an alternative strategy to ensure the safe return of the stranded astronauts. Space missions are inherently complex and resource-intensive, and the unforeseen circumstances surrounding the Starliner situation added further layers of complication and cost to the equation. As a result, Wilmore and Williams faced the prospect of an extended stay on the ISS, adding approximately nine months to their original mission duration.

Capitalizing on this situation, former President Trump seized the opportunity to criticize his successor’s administration. He alleged that he was orchestrating a "rescue mission" for the two Starliner astronauts, insinuating that the Biden administration had neglected their plight. Trump claimed that he had personally requested SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk to "go get the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration," as he stated on his Truth Social platform.

Trump’s pronouncements conveniently disregarded the ongoing efforts by NASA to resolve the situation and bring the astronauts home safely. The agency had already devised a plan to utilize SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to facilitate the return of Wilmore and Williams. This plan involved launching Crew-9 with two astronauts instead of the usual four, reserving the empty seats for the Starliner crew members.

On September 28, 2024, NASA launched its Crew-9 mission, consisting of NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The spacecraft successfully docked at the ISS on the following day. The intention was for Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth alongside the Crew-9 astronauts in February.

However, the plan encountered further complications as technical issues delayed the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission. This postponement meant that the crew handover could not occur as scheduled, and Crew-9, along with Williams and Wilmore, would have to remain on the ISS until Crew-10 arrived sometime in April.

To expedite the astronauts’ return, NASA decided to switch the SpaceX crew spacecraft. This adjustment allowed the two Starliner astronauts to come back later this month. It’s unclear if Trump’s remarks influenced this decision, but the launch shuffle ultimately shortened the astronauts’ time in space by about two weeks.

It’s essential to recognize that the Crew-10 mission is not a sudden "rescue mission" orchestrated by Trump, but rather the culmination of NASA’s ongoing efforts to address an unforeseen challenge. The agency had been actively working to ensure the safe return of Wilmore and Williams since the Starliner spacecraft was deemed unfit for their return.

The situation highlights the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with space travel. Despite meticulous planning and rigorous testing, unexpected issues can arise, requiring adaptability and resourcefulness to overcome. NASA’s response to the Starliner situation demonstrates its commitment to the safety and well-being of its astronauts, even in the face of adversity.

While the return of Wilmore and Williams is a significant accomplishment, it’s crucial to avoid distorting the narrative for political gain. The Crew-10 mission is a testament to the collaborative efforts of NASA, SpaceX, and international partners in addressing the challenges of space exploration.