NASA delays Crew-9 mission to Sept. 25 for prelaunch prep

NASA has postponed the Crew-9 mission to no earlier than September 25, 2023, to finalize prelaunch preparations and ensure operational separation. The mission, which was initially set for August 18, faced multiple delays due to issues with the Boeing Starliner mission. The Crew Dragon spacecraft was rescheduled after the Starliner, carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, encountered technical problems during docking, leading to a change in their return plans. The Crew-9 mission will now see NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov launch from Florida at 2:28 p.m. EDT on September 25. Additional launch windows are available on September 26, 27, and 28, providing flexibility for the mission. This delay is part of a broader trend of adjustments in NASA's crewed spaceflight schedule, reflecting the complexities of coordinating multiple missions. Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, who were originally slated to participate in Crew-9, have been reassigned to future missions. This change highlights the dynamic nature of crew assignments in response to evolving mission requirements and timelines. The agency is focused on ensuring that all preparations are thoroughly completed before the launch. The Crew-9 mission is significant as it will contribute to ongoing operations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Hague and Gorbunov are expected to return to Earth in February 2025, alongside Williams and Wilmore, who will complete their extended stay at the ISS. This mission underscores NASA's commitment to maintaining a robust human presence in space.