SpaceX's Crew-9 mission to rescue stranded astronauts launches tomorrow
SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, is set to launch on Saturday. The mission will be broadcasted live from the Cape Canaveral region in Florida. According to NASA, the spacecraft is scheduled to lift-off at 1:17pm EDT (10:47pm IST) on September 28 from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Docking and backup plan
The Crew-9 mission is expected to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) at approximately 5:30pm EDT on Sunday (3:00am IST next day). In case of any unforeseen circumstances, a backup launch opportunity has been scheduled for Sunday, September 29. This contingency plan ensures that the mission can proceed even if initial conditions are not favorable.
How to watch the mission live
NASA will begin its launch coverage at 9:00am EDT on Saturday (6:40pm IST) via the NASA+ site and the official NASA website. A live webcast of this mission will start about one hour before liftoff, which can be viewed on SpaceX's YouTube channel. Arrival coverage will resume at 3:30pm EDT on Sunday (1:00am IST next day), providing viewers with continuous updates on the mission's progress.
Initial launch delayed due to Starliner issues
The Crew-9 mission was initially scheduled for a mid-August launch but was delayed by a month to allow more time for analyzing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The departure date was further postponed this week due to tropical storm Helene, which may bring high winds and heavy rain to the launch area in Florida as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico.
Mission aims to bring home astronauts stuck in space
The Crew-9 mission has been re-planned to bring home astronauts Barry Wilmore and Indian-origin Sunita Williams. The duo has been stranded in space for several months after their Boeing Starliner experienced helium leaks and issues with its reaction control thrusters. NASA deemed it too risky for them to return by the same capsule, extending their eight-day mission to over eight months.
Revised plan and roles
Initially, the Crew-9 mission was supposed to launch with four crew members. However, due to the issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, the mission was downsized from four crew members to just two. Hague and Gorbunov will fly as commander and mission specialist, respectively. This leaves two seats empty for Williams and Wilmore who are now full-time station crew members along with seven others on board.
