30-9-2024 (CAPE CANAVERAL) SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday evening, marking a crucial step in the rescue mission for two astronauts stranded in orbit since June.
The spacecraft, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, made contact with the ISS at 2130 GMT, as confirmed by NASA and SpaceX. This arrival brings renewed hope for the safe return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, whose prolonged stay on the station was necessitated by technical issues with their original transport vessel.
Welcome, #Crew9! After floating through the Dragon’s hatch, our new arrivals join the crew aboard the @Space_Station. They’ll spend five months conducting @ISS_Research and maintenance on the orbiting lab. pic.twitter.com/DJX7f9vxlg
— NASA (@NASA) September 29, 2024
The SpaceX Crew-9 mission, initially planned to ferry four astronauts to the orbiting laboratory, underwent a last-minute reconfiguration to accommodate the rescue operation. Two seats were left vacant for Wilmore and Williams, who have been involuntarily extended guests aboard the ISS since their arrival in June aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule.
The official welcome!
The Expedition 72 crew welcomed #Crew9, @NASAAstronauts Nick Hague, the Crew 9 commander and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, the crew 9 mission specialist, after their flight aboard the @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. pic.twitter.com/pOa8sTQWDo
— NASA’s Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) September 29, 2024
The Starliner, plagued by thruster failures and helium leaks, was deemed unfit for a safe return journey by NASA officials earlier this month. This decision transformed what was intended to be an 8-day mission for Wilmore and Williams into an unexpected 8-month orbital sojourn.
Both Wilmore and Williams, distinguished former military test pilots, found themselves in this unprecedented situation following the maiden crewed flight of the troubled Starliner.
