NASA’s Crew-10 Docks at ISS, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Set to Return Wednesday
NASA’s Crew-10 mission, launched by SpaceX, successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, paving the way for astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to return to Earth on Wednesday after a nine-month stay. The duo, stranded due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner, will depart with two other crew members following a handover.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft docked at the ISS at 9:35 am IST on March 16 after lifting off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The hatch opening is scheduled for 11:15 am IST, following leak checks and pressurisation. Crew-10’s arrival briefly increases the ISS crew count to 11, joining Expedition 72 astronauts.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched to the ISS in June 2024 on Boeing’s Starliner for an eight-day mission. Technical issues, including five failed thrusters, extended their stay to over nine months. NASA opted for a SpaceX Dragon to bring them back, ensuring safe staffing levels at the ISS.
ALSO READ | AR Rahman Hospitalised in Chennai Apollo Hospital Over Chest Pain
Crew-10, comprising NASA’s Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan’s Takuya Onishi, and Russia’s Kirill Peskov, will replace Crew-9. The handover begins after the hatch opens, with farewell remarks set for 11:10 am IST. Williams, Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Aleksandr Gorbunov are slated to depart Wednesday at 1:30 pm IST.
NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro praised the mission, stating, “This milestone demonstrates NASA’s continued commitment to advancing American leadership in space.” The autonomous docking was monitored by crews on both the spacecraft and ISS. The new team will stay at the ISS for six months, focusing on research and maintenance.
Williams and Wilmore’s prolonged mission raised health worries after images showed Williams’ weight loss. She recently told reporters, “It’s been a roller coaster for [my family], probably more so than for us,” expressing excitement to reunite with her dogs. The astronauts have been conducting science experiments during their extended stay.
US President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claimed the duo was stranded due to political delays under the Biden administration. NASA clarified their extended presence was to maintain ISS operations, dismissing the need for a separate rescue mission. Musk had offered a dedicated Dragon flight last year, which NASA declined.
Williams and Wilmore’s return journey on Wednesday will conclude their unexpected nine-month mission. Mission teams will monitor weather conditions off Florida’s coast for a safe splashdown, with updates expected on their homecoming and Crew-10’s upcoming tasks. The focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition at the ISS.
