SpaceX's Crew-9 mission to work as a rescue operation for Sunita Williams delayed until September 25, but why?

The delay is due to prelaunch preparations and to ensure separation between operations, as stated in a NASA announcement on Sept. 12.

Curated by : Sheetal Kumari

September 19, 2024 / 11:28 IST

NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will launch to the International Space Station on the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. (Image: NASA)

NASA has postponed the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by one day, shifting the launch date to Sept. 25. The delay is due to prelaunch preparations and to ensure separation between operations, as stated in a NASA announcement on Sept. 12. If the mission misses the Sept. 25 launch window, alternative dates are available between Sept. 26 and Sept. 28.

Crew-9’s Unique Challenges and Adjustments

The Crew-9 mission marks a significant milestone as it will be the first human launch from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This site is usually used for satellite missions, which means special adjustments are required, such as adding a launch tower to provide crew access. Originally set to launch four astronauts, Crew-9 will now only send two: NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos mission specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov. Hague will become the first active U.S. Space Force Guardian to go to space, with this historic launch taking place from a Space Force-operated pad.

Two seats in the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, intended for NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, will hold mass simulators instead. Both Cardman and Wilson remain candidates for future ISS missions. Their absence allows room for two other astronauts already aboard the ISS to return, as their originally assigned spacecraft is no longer available.

Starliner’s Setbacks Affect Crew-9 Plans

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, currently aboard the ISS, arrived during Boeing Starliner's first crewed mission on June 6. Issues with Starliner’s thrusters caused NASA to reconsider using it for their return trip. Starliner was safely returned to Earth on Sept. 6 without its crew, and investigations are ongoing into its malfunction.

See More: 10 Unique Animals Created By Humans

NASA has prepared contingency plans for Wilmore and Williams. In case of an emergency evacuation, they would return on the SpaceX Crew-8 capsule. However, they would be without their Starliner spacesuits as Crew Dragon isn’t designed for them. NASA has secured a SpaceX spacesuit for Williams and will send another for Wilmore with the upcoming Crew-9 mission.

Extended Mission Duration for ISS Crew

Once Crew-9 docks at the ISS, it will serve as the return vehicle for Wilmore and Williams, who are now part of Expedition 71. With the delay in their return to Earth, the astronauts will stay in space until February 2025, extending their mission to approximately eight months. A typical ISS mission lasts between five to six months, but NASA has experience with longer missions, including ones that last up to a year. Despite the delay, NASA is confident that the crew is well-prepared and equipped for their extended stay.