- SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket to Rescue ISS Astronauts.
- The mission, known as Crew-9, has two empty seats for the return of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
- NASA Chief Bill Nelson congratulated SpaceX on the successful launch.
The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 1:17 PM, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov to the ISS.
This mission, known as Crew-9, has two empty seats designated for the return of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck on the ISS for months due to problems with their Boeing-designed Starliner spacecraft.
"Congrats to NASA and SpaceX on a successful launch," NASA chief Bill Nelson stated on X. "We live in an exciting period of exploration and innovation in the stars."
Wilmore and Williams, who were originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, had their stay extended due to propulsion issues that forced NASA to rethink their return plans.
"We know that this launch is a bit unique in moving from the plan for crew members to two," said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. "I do want to thank SpaceX for their support and flexibility."
Following thorough assessments of the Starliner’s reliability, the launch was postponed from mid-August to late September, further delayed by Hurricane Helene.
The SpaceX Dragon vessel is expected to dock with the ISS on Sunday at approximately 2130 GMT, facilitating a handover of responsibilities before the return journey.
In total, Crew-9 will conduct 200 scientific experiments during their five-month stay.
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