SpaceX cancels Crew-10 launch to rescue stranded astronauts
- NASA and SpaceX were set to launch a mission to rescue Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the ISS, where they had been stranded for nine months.
- The launch was aborted due to a hydraulic system issue with the Falcon 9 rocket's launchpad.
- Concerns about safety and operational challenges persist as the astronauts await rescue.
In the United States, the Crew-10 mission intended to rescue two NASA astronauts who had been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months was aborted on March 12, 2025. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were supposed to return home after experiencing delays caused by propulsion system issues with the Boeing Starliner, which was initially meant to transport them back to Earth. The decision to keep them aboard the ISS was attributed to operational factors, and NASA officials emphasized that it was not politically motivated, despite the criticism from certain political figures. The launch, scheduled to lift off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was called off less than an hour before the intended departure due to a reported hydraulic system issue affecting the Falcon 9 rocket's launchpad. NASA noted that the problem stemmed from the ground support clamp arm, which led to officials opting for caution in light of safety considerations. This late-stage cancellation disrupted plans for a replacement crew to relieve the astronauts previously deemed safe for extended missions. Prior to the canceled flight, the astronauts had been engaged in extensive research and maintenance activities aboard the ISS. Wilmore and Williams, both experienced individuals and former Navy captains, had faced public attention regarding their extended stay. President Donald Trump expressed a commitment to bringing them home and highlighted the importance of their situation, urging SpaceX and its CEO Elon Musk to prioritize their return. With their prolonged mission raising questions about the safety and policies surrounding astronaut operations, the situation garnered various perspectives among the public and media. Although several backup launch opportunities existed for March 13 and 14, concerns lingered over when the Crew-10 mission could be successfully executed to rescue Wilmore and Williams, whose stay surpassed the original plan of eight days. The case underscores the complexities and risks associated with space travel and the operational challenges faced by NASA and its partner SpaceX.