Crew-10 Reaches the International Space Station, Paving the Way for Starliner Astronauts’ Return
After a successful launch and docking, the four members of the Crew-10 mission arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) early Sunday morning, marking a pivotal moment for the orbiting laboratory and setting the stage for the long-awaited return of the two NASA astronauts stranded aboard following the troubled Boeing Starliner mission.
The arrival, marked by warm embraces and jubilant greetings, represents a significant turning point for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the veteran astronauts who journeyed to the ISS aboard the Starliner capsule in June. Their mission took an unexpected turn when NASA deemed the spacecraft unfit for their return journey in September, leaving them stranded on the station.
Now, with Crew-10 safely aboard the ISS after a roughly 28-hour journey aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Wilmore and Williams are finally poised to return to Earth, hitching a ride back with the two-member Crew-9 mission that arrived at the station in September. The SpaceX Dragon vehicle carrying the four Crew-10 astronauts successfully docked at the orbital outpost approximately 260 miles above the Atlantic Ocean.
The entire complement of 11 astronauts currently stationed on the ISS gathered for a brief but heartfelt welcoming ceremony following the docking. The event, broadcast live by NASA, showcased the collaborative spirit of international space exploration and the relief felt by all those involved in resolving the Starliner situation.
The Crew-10 mission is led by NASA astronaut Anne McClain, a veteran spacefarer. The crew also includes NASA pilot Nichole Ayers, a rising star in the astronaut corps. Rounding out the team are two mission specialists from international partners: Takuya Onishi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, representing the continued cooperation between the United States and Russia in space exploration.
Crew-10 embarked on their journey from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon capsule into orbit, after which the capsule successfully separated and commenced its autonomous journey to the ISS.
The launch, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed due to a ground system issue at the launchpad. However, the Friday night launch proceeded smoothly, marking the tenth SpaceX crew mission to the ISS under NASA’s commercial crew program. This program represents a significant shift in spaceflight, with NASA partnering with private companies like SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
The reason for the nearly 28-hour voyage, compared to the shorter trip planned after the initially scheduled Wednesday launch, was due to the constantly shifting position of the ISS. At the time of the Friday launch, the orbital laboratory was further away from the projected point where the Dragon capsule would enter Earth’s orbit. A NASA spokesperson explained to USA TODAY that this increased distance necessitated a longer and more complex orbital trajectory.
After reaching the ISS, the hatch of the Dragon capsule was opened shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, allowing the Crew-10 astronauts to exit the vehicle and enter the space station through its Harmony module. This moment was particularly poignant, with the new arrivals greeted by the smiling faces of the Expedition 72 crew members, including Wilmore and Williams, who had been patiently awaiting their return to Earth.
"It was an amazing journey," Commander McClain shared during the live broadcast after the hatches were opened. "You can hardly even put it into words." Peskov, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to "all the world’s space industry," highlighting the collaborative nature of space exploration.
The arrival of Crew-10 frees up two much-needed seats on the Crew-9 Dragon capsule currently docked at the ISS. Crew-9, comprised of NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, was deliberately sent with only two crew members in anticipation of Wilmore and Williams needing a ride home.
According to NASA, Wilmore and Williams are tentatively scheduled to return with Crew-9 as early as Wednesday, March 19. This timeline allows for a few days for Crew-10 to acclimate to the space station environment and to receive crucial handover training from the departing astronauts.
The handover period is a critical process, allowing the outgoing astronauts to familiarize the arriving spacefarers with their new home and the ongoing research and operational activities taking place on the ISS. This ensures a seamless transition and minimizes any disruption to the station’s vital scientific endeavors.
Once Crew-9 undocks from the ISS in the Dragon capsule, they will embark on a return journey to Earth, culminating in a splashdown landing off the coast of Florida. This will bring an end to the extended stay of Wilmore and Williams and mark the successful conclusion of a challenging and unprecedented situation.
The successful launch and docking of Crew-10 underscores the resilience and adaptability of the space program, as well as the collaborative spirit that drives international space exploration. The return of Wilmore and Williams will be a welcome event, marking the end of a stressful period for the astronauts and their families, and a testament to the commitment of NASA and its partners to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who venture beyond our planet.
