The Crew-10 mission has successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS), marking a crucial step in bringing home NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded in space for months.
A Long-Awaited Rescue Mission
SpaceX’s Crew-10 spacecraft docked at the ISS at 12:05 a.m. EST (9:35 a.m. IST) on Sunday after a 28.5-hour journey from Earth. The capsule, launched from Texas on Friday, carried four astronauts—Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers from NASA, Takuya Onishi from Japan’s JAXA, and Kirill Peskov from Russia’s Roscosmos.
The team will spend the next few days adjusting to life aboard the ISS, working alongside Williams and Wilmore, who have been waiting for a safe return since June. At 1:05 a.m. EST (10:35 a.m. IST), the new arrivals were set to enter the station, where Wilmore was expected to greet them.
The Struggle to Get Home
Williams and Wilmore’s extended stay in orbit was never part of the plan. Their return was originally scheduled after an eight-day mission in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, technical issues with the vehicle prevented them from coming back.
The delay wasn’t just an inconvenience—it became a serious concern. In August, NASA had hoped to bring them back once Crew-9 reached the ISS. But without a reliable emergency escape option, the plan was scrapped.
Now, with Crew-10 successfully docked, a return window is finally within reach.
What Happens Next?
- The newly arrived Crew-10 astronauts will work closely with the ISS team for a few days.
- NASA is expected to finalize the schedule for Williams and Wilmore’s return.
- Crew-9, which has been on the ISS since August, is also preparing to come back.
NASA and SpaceX are now coordinating the safest way to bring both crews home. If all goes well, Williams and Wilmore will board the Crew-9 capsule and finally head back to Earth.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
Boeing’s Starliner issues have raised concerns about the reliability of spacecraft transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. While NASA has heavily relied on SpaceX for recent missions, the failure of an alternative option has underscored the risks of space travel.
Williams, a veteran astronaut, was meant to play a key role in Starliner’s debut crewed mission. Instead, she became an unintended passenger on the ISS for months longer than expected. The situation has renewed discussions about ensuring multiple safe options for returning astronauts.
With Crew-10’s arrival, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. After months of uncertainty, Williams and Wilmore are now closer than ever to setting foot back on Earth.
