A hydraulic system issue forced SpaceX to postpone the planned launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The delay further extends the unexpectedly long stay of US astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been in orbit for nine months following a trip on Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft.
NASA now aims for a Thursday evening launch, pending a review of the technical problems. The mission, known as Crew-10, will not only bring fresh personnel to the ISS but also set the stage for Wilmore and Williams to finally return home.
The extended space stay of Wilmore and Williams has become a point of political contention. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently called for their earlier return, prompting NASA to move up the mission by two weeks. This unusual intervention in NASA’s operations has raised eyebrows in the space community.
Despite the prolonged mission, Wilmore and Williams have maintained a positive outlook. “It’s been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us,” Williams said of her family during a recent press call. She expressed excitement about reuniting with loved ones and her pet dogs upon return.
The delay stems from issues with Boeing’s Starliner, which propulsion problems during its test flight last year. NASA deemed it too risky for Wilmore and Williams to return in the Boeing craft, necessitating their extended stay until a SpaceX capsule became available.
This setback highlights the ongoing challenges in NASA’s commercial crew programme. While SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has been ferrying astronauts since 2020, Boeing’s Starliner development has faced numerous setbacks and cost overruns since 2019.
As the space agency works to resolve the latest technical hurdle, the focus remains on ensuring a safe launch and, ultimately, bringing Wilmore and Williams back to Earth after their unexpectedly long orbital adventure.
Also Read: Sheikh Hasina Will Return To Bangladesh As PM, Says Close Aide
