SpaceX Launches Mission to Rescue Stranded Astronauts from ISS

SpaceX has officially kicked off a critical five-month mission aimed at rescuing two astronauts who are currently stuck on the International Space Station (ISS). The launch occurred on Saturday, sending a smaller crew into orbit to facilitate their return.

The mission’s Dragon capsule ascended successfully, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, who will work to bring home Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The duo has been stranded since their Boeing spacecraft returned empty earlier this month due to safety issues.

This flight, which features two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams, will not return until late February. NASA typically rotates its space station crews every six months, and officials stated that there were no options to bring the stranded astronauts back sooner without disrupting other planned missions.

By the time of their eventual return, Wilmore and Williams will have spent over eight months in space—a significant extension beyond the original week they had anticipated when they boarded Boeing’s first astronaut flight in June.

After a series of technical setbacks, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, NASA deemed Boeing’s Starliner too risky to fly. As a result, adjustments were made to the SpaceX launch to ensure that it could accommodate Wilmore and Williams for their return trip.