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By Hamza, Auto Enthusiast and Founder of Digital Nomad Diary

In a last-minute decision, SpaceX and NASA scrubbed the planned launch of Crew-10 to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday due to a hydraulic issue with one of the ground systems. The mission, which aims to rescue stranded astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, has been rescheduled for no earlier than 7:03 p.m. EDT on Friday.

Highlights

  • SpaceX and NASA postponed the Crew-10 launch due to a hydraulic issue with a clamp arm on the launch tower.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a heartfelt message of support for the crew, emphasizing the U.S. military’s role in the mission.
  • The mission will now attempt to launch on Friday, weather permitting.
  • Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stranded on the ISS since June 2024 after Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft encountered technical issues.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Launch
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket preparing for launch. (Image Source: SpaceX)

Defense Secretary’s Message to the Crew

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took to social media to share a message of encouragement for the NASA and SpaceX crew. In a video posted on X, Hegseth said, “We are praying for you, we wish you Godspeed, and we look forward to welcoming you all home soon.” He also highlighted the significant involvement of the U.S. military in the mission, noting the presence of Army, Air Force, and Navy personnel.

The Crew-10 mission includes:

Crew-10 Team Members
Crew-10 team members during training. (Image Source: NASA)

Why the Launch Was Scrubbed

The launch, originally scheduled for 7:48 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, was postponed due to a hydraulic issue with a clamp arm on the launch tower. Mission managers also decided against attempting a Thursday launch due to unfavorable weather conditions, including high winds and precipitation in the flight path of the Dragon spacecraft.

Stranded Astronauts Await Rescue

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stranded on the ISS since June 2024. Initially planned as a week-long mission, their stay was extended after Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft experienced helium leaks and thruster issues during docking. The unmanned Starliner returned to Earth in September, leaving Wilmore and Williams behind.

President Donald Trump has been vocal about the situation, urging SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to expedite the rescue mission. In a recent statement, Trump said, “Elon is right now preparing a ship to go up and get them. We love you, and we’re coming up to get you.”

Stranded Astronauts on ISS
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on the ISS. (Image Source: NASA)

What’s Next for Crew-10?

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to carry the Crew-10 team to the ISS for a six-month residency. Once aboard, they will oversee a handover period before Wilmore and Williams return to Earth, potentially as early as Sunday.

FAQs

1. Why was the SpaceX Crew-10 launch postponed?

The launch was postponed due to a hydraulic issue with a clamp arm on the launch tower. Weather conditions also played a role in the decision.

2. Who are the astronauts stranded on the ISS?

Astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stranded on the ISS since June 2024.

3. What caused the astronauts to be stranded?

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft experienced technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster problems, during docking, forcing it to return to Earth unmanned.

4. When is the next launch attempt?

The next launch attempt is scheduled for no earlier than 7:03 p.m. EDT on Friday.

5. What is the role of the U.S. military in this mission?

The U.S. military is heavily involved, with Army, Air Force, and Navy personnel represented in the Crew-10 mission.