NASA and SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission has successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS), marking a critical step in the long-delayed return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore. The Crew Dragon spacecraft docked at the ISS on March 16 at 9 AM IST, allowing the new crew to board while preparing for the departure of Crew-9.
Crew-10’s Arrival and Mission Objectives
The Crew-10 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, includes astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers from NASA, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Their arrival temporarily raises the ISS crew count to 11, ensuring a smooth transition before Crew-9’s return to Earth.
The docking process, a crucial spaceflight maneuver, was completed successfully as Crew Dragon securely attached itself to the ISS’s Harmony module. Following safety checks, the hatch was opened, and the new crew was welcomed aboard.
Williams and Wilmore’s Long-Awaited Return
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded in space since June 2024 due to technical malfunctions with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was originally intended to bring them back after a short mission. However, NASA deemed the craft unsafe for their return, leading to an extended stay aboard the ISS. Their return was further delayed due to mission scheduling and safety checks.
With Crew-10 now in place, Williams and Wilmore are expected to return to Earth no earlier than March 19 aboard a SpaceX capsule that is already docked at the station. Before departure, a two-day handover process will be conducted, during which Crew-9 astronauts will brief Crew-10 members on ongoing experiments and ISS operations.
Political and Public Attention
The extended stay of Williams and Wilmore has gained significant public and political attention. Figures like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump have criticized NASA’s handling of the situation, with accusations that the delay was politically motivated. However, NASA maintains that astronaut safety has been the top priority throughout.
Next Steps for Crew-10
As Crew-9 prepares for departure, Crew-10 will take over key scientific research aboard the ISS, focusing on experiments related to lunar navigation, material flammability, and the physiological effects of long-duration spaceflight. Their mission is set to last until the fall of 2025.
With the final steps now in motion, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s long-awaited return is closer than ever, bringing an end to their unexpected nine-month stay in space.
