Starliner Astronauts’ Homecoming Delayed: Crew-10 Launch Scrubbed Due to Ground System Issue
The highly anticipated return of the astronauts aboard the Boeing Starliner has been pushed back, adding a few more days to their extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the NASA astronauts who piloted the Starliner on its inaugural crewed voyage in June, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their replacements before they can finally make their journey back to Earth.
The Crew-10 mission, a routine flight intended to transport a new team of spacefarers to the ISS, was initially scheduled to launch Wednesday night from Florida. However, NASA and SpaceX, the collaborative partners behind the mission, made the decision to call off the launch due to a technical glitch detected in the launchpad’s ground system.
This delay has a ripple effect, directly impacting Wilmore and Williams, who have been residing on the ISS since their arrival aboard the Starliner. NASA had strategically planned the Crew-9 mission, launched prior to Crew-10, with only two astronauts instead of the usual four. This was done to ensure that there would be available seats for Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth upon the arrival of their successors.
However, the current crew, now consisting of Wilmore, Williams, and the original Crew-9 astronauts, cannot leave the orbiting laboratory until the Crew-10 team has successfully arrived and settled in to take over their responsibilities.
Ground System Glitch Forces Launch Delay
The root cause of the delayed launch stems from a hydraulics system that plays a crucial role in securing the Falcon 9 rocket in its vertical position on the launchpad. This system controls the clamp arms that firmly hold the rocket in place before liftoff. An issue within this system was detected during pre-launch checks, prompting NASA and SpaceX to prioritize safety and postpone the launch.
Initially, both agencies expressed the possibility of rescheduling the launch for Thursday. However, this plan was ultimately discarded due to unfavorable weather conditions predicted for the Dragon’s flight path, including high winds and potential precipitation.
New Launch Target Set for Friday
The next potential launch window for the Crew-10 mission is now set for no earlier than 7:03 p.m. EST on Friday. If all goes as planned, the launch will take place from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
The Crew-10 team consists of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. They will be riding aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, encapsulated within a Dragon capsule.
Starliner Homecoming Delayed
The two-day delay in the Crew-10 launch means that the conclusion of the Starliner’s inaugural crewed mission will also be pushed back. Had the launch proceeded as initially planned, Wilmore and Williams would have likely returned to Earth on Sunday, March 16, aboard the Dragon spacecraft that arrived at the ISS in September. This Dragon had been specially configured with two seats reserved for the Starliner astronauts.
Handover Process and Return Timeline
Once the Crew-10 spacefarers successfully reach the ISS, potentially on Saturday night, the newly arrived astronauts will undergo a period of familiarization with their new environment and the ongoing work being conducted at the orbiting laboratory. This handover period is a critical step in ensuring a seamless transition between astronaut crews, according to NASA.
Following the handover, Wilmore and Williams, who have been stationed on the ISS for over nine months, will join Crew-9 astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov for their long-awaited return to Earth. The current projected departure date for the returning astronauts is no earlier than Wednesday, March 19, with a planned splashdown landing off the coast of Florida.
NASA to Provide Live Coverage
NASA will provide live coverage of the Crew-10 launch, beginning at 3 p.m. EST on Friday, through its streaming service, NASA+. The docking of the Dragon spacecraft carrying the Crew-10 team is expected to occur around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, and NASA will also stream this event live.
The successful completion of the Crew-10 mission is essential for the continuation of research and operations on the International Space Station, as well as for the safe return of the Starliner astronauts and the rest of Crew-9 to Earth. The space community and the public alike eagerly await the launch and the eventual homecoming of these dedicated space explorers.
The collaborative effort between NASA and SpaceX, along with the international partners involved, highlights the ongoing commitment to space exploration and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all those who venture beyond our planet.
