SpaceX’s Crew-10 Mission Set to Launch to ISS, Facilitating Return of Long-Serving Astronauts Wilmore and Williams

SpaceX is preparing to launch its Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) following a delay earlier in the week. The mission, which is part of NASA’s regular crew rotation, is scheduled to lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:03 p.m. EST on Friday. The crew comprises NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. This launch is particularly significant as it will facilitate the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been aboard the ISS for nearly 300 days.

The initial launch attempt was scrubbed two days prior, but the team is optimistic about the upcoming attempt. The Crew Dragon capsule, mounted on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is set to transport the astronauts to the ISS, where they will join the current crew and continue ongoing scientific research and maintenance activities. The mission underscores the collaborative efforts of international space agencies and the importance of maintaining a continuous human presence in space.

The Crew-10 mission has garnered additional attention due to its role in enabling the return of Wilmore and Williams. The two astronauts have been part of the ISS crew for an extended duration, and their return is eagerly anticipated. The successful launch and docking of Crew-10 will pave the way for their journey back to Earth, marking the end of their long-term mission in space.

As the launch window approaches, preparations at Kennedy Space Center are in full swing. The mission highlights the ongoing partnership between NASA and SpaceX, which has been instrumental in ensuring the regular rotation of crews to and from the ISS. This collaboration continues to advance human space exploration and contribute to scientific discoveries that benefit life on Earth.