SpaceX to Launch NASA’s Crew-10 Astronauts to ISS: How to Watch

NASA’s Crew-10 Mission Set to Launch with Historic Implications for Astronauts

On Wednesday night, at 7:48 p.m. Eastern Time, four seasoned astronauts are scheduled to embark on a vital mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, known as Crew-10, marks the tenth installment of SpaceX’s crew ferry services to the ISS and is attracting particular interest due to the long-awaited return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.

The Crew-10 mission signifies not just another routine crew rotation, but an important transition as it will finally allow Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth after an unexpectedly prolonged nine-month stay aboard the ISS. Their original mission was meant to last just a few weeks, but unforeseen circumstances have led to their extended tenure in orbit.

The Crew-10 launch will be executed using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, taking off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA will provide live coverage of the launch, which can be accessed via their official platforms. As the astronauts prepared for the mission, they donned their sleek SpaceX flight suits, marking a pivotal moment in their journey to space.

Weather conditions for the launch are looking promising, with forecasts indicating over a 95 percent chance of favorable weather. Should there be any delays, a backup launch opportunity is available on Thursday at 7:26 p.m.

The astronauts participating in Crew-10 include a diverse team from NASA, Japan, and Russia. Anne McClain will serve as the mission commander, while Nichole Ayers will be the pilot. Joining them are Takuya Onishi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Kirill Peskov from the Russian space agency, Roscosmos. It’s worth noting that this mission will be the first spaceflights for both Ayers and Peskov, while McClain and Onishi have prior experience in space travel.

Crew-10 is expected to dock with the ISS at 6 a.m. on Thursday, facilitating a smooth transition from Crew-9, the current occupants of the station, who will soon return to Earth.

One of the most critical aspects of this mission is the situation surrounding Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have become somewhat of a cause célèbre in the space community for their extended stay. The duo originally launched to the ISS in June for a test flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Unfortunately, due to propulsion issues, it was determined that they could not return to Earth using the Starliner. However, a spacecraft that was docked at the station since late September could have brought them back sooner but doing so would have left the station understaffed.

NASA faced a challenging scenario similar to what airlines experience when needing to rebook canceled flights. Their solution involved coordinating with the crew of Crew-9—two of whom were reassigned—to provide seats in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for Williams and Wilmore on their return trip. Although these astronauts could have returned earlier, NASA opted to keep the station fully staffed for ongoing scientific research and operational stability.

The process of returning to Earth is highly dependent on various factors, including weather conditions. The soonest Williams and Wilmore could return home is projected to be March 16, when they, along with Nick Hague from NASA and Alexander Gorbunov, will board their craft for the journey back. However, any bad weather at the potential splashdown sites off the coast of Florida could result in further delays.

Throughout their extended stay, both Williams and Wilmore have addressed their time aboard the ISS candidly. In a recent interview, Wilmore reflected on their experience, stating that despite the unexpected length of their mission, they had not felt “stranded” or “stuck.” He emphasized that their time in space has included both enjoyment and challenges, viewing it as a unique work experience rather than a negative circumstance.

As seasoned astronauts, both Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 62, are acutely aware that this could be their final mission to space. Williams noted the poignant aspect of their imminent return, expressing a desire to cherish every moment of their remaining time aboard the space station.

As NASA and SpaceX prepare for the Crew-10 mission, the implications of this event will resonate well beyond a simple crew rotation. It underscores the complexities and challenges of human space travel while offering a glimpse into the collaborative efforts between various space agencies across the globe. With astronauts set to embark on another exciting chapter in the history of space exploration, the world will be watching closely.