Delayed Homecoming for Space-Bound Astronauts: SpaceX Rocket Launch Falters
Attempted Homecoming Mission for Stranded ISS Crew Fails
In a setback, the SpaceX rocket meant to rescue astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from their nine-month-long space stint fell short. Originally, they were due to return home after eight days in space, but that has been stretched to almost nine months.
An evening launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center was planned to deliver our cosmic explorers back to Earth, but a last-minute snag at the launchpad forced SpaceX to postpone the flight. Less than four hours prior to the scheduled takeoff, concerns surfaced regarding a critical hydraulic system, with the astronauts already secured in their capsule, waiting for a decision. Unfortunately, as the countdown neared its end, SpaceX called off the launch.
Hints of a Quick Rescue Mission
SpaceX was coy about rescheduling the flight, but hinted at a potential launch on Thursday evening. Another crew, including US astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and two other space tourists, will soon be en route to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, owned by tech billionaire and presidential advisor Elon Musk. Following a brief handover on board the ISS, a Dragon capsule will return the space-weary trio to Earth.
Nine Months Drifting Among the Stars
The new ISS crew will replace Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams upon arrival. Initially, the duo was scheduled for a week-long space expedition in early June last year to test Boeing's Starliner capsule. However, due to technical issues, their space mission was extended from eight days to nearly nine months.
A Political Stalemate
The prolonged stay of the ISS astronauts recently stirred political controversy, with US President Donald Trump and his advisor, Musk, alleging that the previous administration under President Joe Biden abandoned the astronauts politically.
Source: ntv.de, mau/AP/AFP
- ISS
- NASA
- SpaceX
- Elon Musk
Despite the setback, SpaceX hinted at a potential rescheduled launch on Thursday evening, aiming to bring astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back from their extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, owned by tech billionaire and presidential advisor Elon Musk, will carry another crew, including the two US astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, and two other space tourists, to the ISS.
The initial plan was for Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to return to Earth after eight days in space, but technical issues postponed their homecoming, leading to a nine-month stay on board the ISS.
