A new crew has reached the International Space Station (ISS) to replace two NASA astronauts who have been in space for nine months. The fresh team arrived after a successful launch by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Their mission is to take over operations while the two long-stranded astronauts prepare to return to Earth.
SpaceX Launches New Crew to ISS
On Friday night, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Florida at 7:03 PM ET (11:03 PM GMT). The rocket carried four astronauts who will take over duties on the ISS. They will replace NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been waiting to return home. The new team will stay at the station for six months.
NASA planned an overlap between the arriving and departing teams. This allows for a smooth transition. Wilmore and Williams will return to Earth next week, depending on weather conditions. NASA wants to ensure their trip back is safe.
Why Were NASA Astronauts Stuck in Space?
Wilmore and Williams launched on June 5 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The mission was supposed to last only one week. But problems with the spacecraft kept them in orbit much longer than planned.
The Starliner suffered helium leaks and thruster failures. NASA and Boeing investigated ways to fix these issues. However, they later decided that the spacecraft was not safe for a return trip. As a result, NASA ordered the Starliner to return empty in September.
NASA then arranged for Wilmore and Williams to return home on a SpaceX flight. The mission was originally planned for February but faced more delays. Issues with SpaceX’s capsule batteries led to further postponements. Finally, NASA used an older, tested capsule to bring the astronauts back.
Meet the New ISS Crew
The team replacing Wilmore and Williams includes four astronauts:
- Anne McClain (NASA) – A military pilot from the U.S.
- Nichole Ayers (NASA) – Another U.S. military pilot.
- Takuya Onishi (JAXA) – A former airline pilot from Japan.
- Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos) – A Russian pilot.
These astronauts will stay on the ISS for six months. They will maintain the station, conduct research, and help prepare for future missions.
The Challenges of a Long Stay in Space
Wilmore and Williams had to adjust to an unexpected long-term stay. They took on many extra tasks, including:
- Maintaining the ISS – They ensured all systems functioned properly.
- Repairing Equipment – They fixed a broken toilet and other issues.
- Scientific Research – They conducted experiments and studies.
- Spacewalks – Williams set a record for the most spacewalking time by a woman.
Despite the challenges, both astronauts remained positive. They stayed focused on their work and supported NASA’s decisions.
Political Reactions to the Delay
The long delay sparked political controversy. Former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk criticized NASA for taking too long to bring the astronauts home. They pushed for a faster solution. However, Wilmore and Williams stood by NASA’s careful approach. They stressed the need for safety and patience in space missions.
Returning to Earth
Wilmore and Williams are eager to return home. Wilmore is looking forward to seeing his wife and daughters. He also plans to resume his role as a church elder. Williams is excited to reunite with her husband, her mother, and her two Labrador retrievers.
In a recent interview, Williams expressed gratitude for the support they received. “This mission has drawn attention—both positive and negative—but the best part is that more people are becoming interested in space exploration,” she said.
NASA continues to work with Boeing to fix the Starliner’s issues. They plan to conduct more tests before using the spacecraft again. Meanwhile, the newly arrived crew will take on their tasks aboard the ISS.
Wilmore and Williams’ return will be closely monitored. If all goes well, they will splash down off the coast of Florida next week. Their return will mark the end of a long and unexpected mission.