SpaceX, in collaboration with NASA, successfully launched its Crew-10 mission on Friday, March 14, at 7:03 p.m. ET. The Falcon 9 rocket took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying the Dragon spacecraft towards the International Space Station (ISS). After overcoming a two-day delay due to a hydraulic issue, the mission proceeded smoothly, marking another milestone in space exploration efforts.
The crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft comprises NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with mission specialists JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Joining them on this pivotal mission are NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. This diverse team underscores the international collaboration that is essential to the success of space missions today.
Initially slated for launch on March 12, the mission encountered a temporary setback when a hydraulic issue forced a delay. However, once resolved, the Falcon 9 rocket launched successfully, with its engines cutting off approximately eight minutes into the ascent. According to SpaceX, "surviving debris would have fallen within the pre-planned Debris Response Area," ensuring safety as per the Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
The Crew-10 mission forms part of a broader initiative to expand human presence on the ISS. This collaborative effort between SpaceX and NASA is significant as it represents the first crewed flight on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The astronauts are expected to undergo a handover period at the ISS before returning to Earth.
In anticipation of their return, SpaceX plans to bring the Crew-10 astronauts back to Earth as early as Wednesday, March 19. Among those expected to return are Crew-10 astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been in space since June 2024. Originally planned for a brief 10-day stay, their mission has extended significantly beyond initial expectations.
Reflecting on their time in space, Suni Williams shared insights about the experience.
"Every day is interesting because we're up in space and it's a lot of fun," – Suni Williams
However, she also noted some challenges faced by those remaining on Earth.
"The hardest part is having the folks on the ground have to not know exactly when we're coming back." – Suni Williams
As part of their preparation and commitment to the mission, Butch Wilmore expressed a desire to shift perceptions.
“If you’ll help us change the rhetoric, help us change the narrative, let’s change it to ‘prepared and committed.’ That’s what we prefer." – Butch Wilmore