Hegseth shares message to SpaceX rescue mission crew: ‘Wish you Godspeed’

SpaceX and NASA were forced to postpone the planned rocket launch of Crew-10 to the International Space Station (ISS) due to a hydraulic issue with one of the ground systems. The live broadcast of the event revealed that the launch was scrubbed, but NASA and SpaceX are gearing up for the next opportunity when the launch window opens on Thursday at 7:25 p.m.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth showed his support for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 ahead of their rescheduled launch, emphasizing the significant role of the U.S. military in the mission. Hegseth expressed well wishes for the crew and their safe return home.

The Crew-10 mission is set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center with a crew of four astronauts onboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The astronauts will be heading to the ISS for a six-month stay, marking the anticipated return of astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams.

President Trump has been vocal about bringing the stranded astronauts back home sooner, urging SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to expedite the rescue mission. The astronauts have been stranded on the ISS for nine months, far exceeding their initial one-week stay.

The Crew-10 team includes astronauts from the U.S., Japan, and Russia, showcasing international collaboration in space exploration. The Department of Defense is proud to have multiple branches of the U.S. military represented in the mission, with active-duty officers from the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

NASA has mentioned a “handover period” with the SpaceX Crew-10 before Wilmore and Williams begin their journey back to Earth. The astronauts could potentially return as early as Sunday, following the completion of their mission on the ISS.

President Trump has expressed his eagerness to bring the astronauts back home, assuring them of the rescue mission underway. The SpaceX team is working diligently to ensure a safe return for the astronauts, addressing concerns raised about their extended stay in space.

The collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and international partners highlights the advancements in space exploration and the dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts in orbit. The mission of Crew-10 is a testament to the spirit of exploration and cooperation among nations in the pursuit of scientific discovery beyond Earth.