NASA, SpaceX's Crew-10 launch paves way for Sunita Williams's return
What's the story
In a major milestone for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, SpaceX has successfully launched a new crew (Crew-10) to the International Space Station (ISS).
The team, which includes NASA's Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Peskov, took off from Kennedy Space Center in a SpaceX capsule early this morning.
They will arrive at the ISS tomorrow. This mission will pave the way for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams's return after a nine-month stay in space.
Crew rotation
New crew to replace existing ISS members
The newly arrived team will replace the current crew aboard the ISS, including Wilmore, Williams, NASA's Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
This will allow Wilmore and Williams to hand over operations ahead of their expected departure next week. However, their return depends on weather conditions.
The astronauts are eager to reunite with their families after a long stay in space.
Mission challenges
Delayed return due to technical issues
Wilmore and Williams had originally launched aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule in June last year for a short test mission.
However, technical issues like helium leaks and thruster failures forced NASA to delay their return.
The agency finally decided to bring them back on a SpaceX mission.
Their return was further delayed due to battery repairs on a new SpaceX capsule, prompting NASA to use a refurbished one.
Mission highlights
Extended stay on ISS
During their long stay on the ISS, Wilmore and Williams handled several maintenance tasks including repairing a toilet, watering plants, as well as conducting experiments.
Williams also set the record for the most spacewalking time by a female astronaut.
Despite claims that the previous US administration had stalled their return, both astronauts have always supported NASA's decision-making process regarding their extended mission in space.
Anticipation
Astronauts express excitement about returning home
As their return to Earth nears, both Wilmore and Williams have said they can't wait to see their families.
"We appreciate all the love and support from everybody," Williams said earlier this week.
"This mission has brought a little attention ... but I think the good part is more and more people have been interested in what we're doing," she added.
Wilmore, a church elder, can't wait to resume in-person ministry while Williams can't wait to walk her Labrador retrievers.