SpaceX delays flight to replace NASA’s stuck astronauts after hydraulics problem

NASA and SpaceX have announced a delay in the launch of a replacement crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station. This delay has also impacted the long-awaited return of U.S. astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The launch, which was scheduled to take place from Florida, was postponed due to a hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket.

NASA stated that launch teams are currently working to address the issue, with a new target launch time set for no earlier than 7:03 p.m. ET on Friday. This delay comes after a previous postponement due to high winds and rain forecast in the flight path of Dragon.

The replacement crew, known as Crew-10, is expected to depart the space station next Wednesday, allowing Wilmore and Williams to finally return to Earth. Both astronauts have been in space for nine months after a trip on Boeing’s faulty Starliner, which returned to Earth without them last year.

The delay in their return has been a roller coaster for Wilmore and Williams, who have been working on research and maintenance with the space station’s other astronauts. Despite the challenges, Williams expressed her excitement about reuniting with her family and dogs upon returning home.

The Crew-10 mission, which was originally considered a routine astronaut rotation, has become entangled in politics as former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk intervened to push for an earlier return of Wilmore and Williams. This led to NASA swapping a delayed SpaceX capsule with a different one that would be ready sooner.

Wilmore and Williams flew to the station in Boeing’s Starliner, which experienced propulsion system issues in space. NASA deemed it too risky for the astronauts to fly home on the Boeing craft, resulting in the current plan to bring them back in a SpaceX capsule.

Boeing’s Starliner, developed under a contract with NASA to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, has faced engineering issues and cost overruns since 2019. In contrast, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has become NASA’s primary vehicle for sending ISS crew members to orbit from American soil.

As the teams work to address the hydraulic system issue and prepare for the rescheduled launch, all eyes are on the successful return of Wilmore and Williams, marking the end of their extended stay in space.