NASA and SpaceX logos next to two people in a space environment.
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SpaceX postponed the rescue mission for NASA's stranded astronauts

The wait for NASA astronauts extends after the cancellation of SpaceX's rescue mission

SpaceX postponed the rescue mission that was supposed to bring back the astronauts from the NASA at the  International Space Station (ISS). The rescue flight was supposed to take off 45 minutes after the scheduled launch, but a ground hydraulic issue forced the operation to be suspended.

The mission manager, Derrol Nail, announced the cancellation through an official statement. So far, SpaceX hasn't announced a new date for the Crew-10 mission launch.

A rocket taking off from a launch pad with the SpaceX building in the background and a clear blue sky.
SpaceX canceled the rescue mission that was supposed to bring NASA astronauts back | La Derecha Diario

The rescue team and the Crew-10 mission

The mission that was supposed to rescue the astronauts was led by:

  • Astronaut Anne McClain
  • Pilot Nichole Ayers
  • Takuya Onishi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
  • Kirill Peskov, cosmonaut from the Russian agency Roscosmos.

This team was supposed to travel to the ISS to bring back the astronauts stranded since their departure on June 6, 2024. The uncertainty about their return is prolonged, and it's unknown when the rescue mission can be carried out.

The positive attitude of the stranded astronauts

Despite the cancellation and prolonged wait, astronauts Wilmore and Williams showed a positive attitude during an interview. They assured that they remain prepared for any situation.

Stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore inside the International Space Station.
Astronauts Wilmore and Williams showed an optimistic mood | La Derecha Diario
"We choose not to have sad thoughts about returning home," they commented. Additionally, they optimistically project that they could return on March 19.

NASA's perspective

Steve Stich, director of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, highlighted that manned spaceflights are full of unexpected challenges. He assured that the operational flexibility that NASA has in its partnership with SpaceX allows for agile responses to situations like this.

Astronauts performing a spacewalk outside a space station with the Earth in the background.
Manned spaceflights are full of unexpected challenges | La Derecha Diario
The space agency continues to work with SpaceX to ensure the safe return of the stranded astronauts, despite the setbacks.
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