NASA and SpaceX have jointly launched the Crew-10 mission to safely return American astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).
New Delhi: The countdown has begun for the return to Earth of American astronaut of Indian origin, Sunita Williams, and her colleague Butch Wilmore, who were stranded in space. SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), paving the way for their safe return. They are scheduled to return to Earth on March 19, ending their unexpectedly prolonged space mission.
How did Sunita Williams get stranded in space?
On June 5, 2024, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were sent into space for an eight-day mission under the Boeing Starliner Crew Test mission. However, due to technical malfunctions, the Starliner spacecraft's return was delayed, forcing them to remain at the ISS. Approximately nine months later, a joint NASA and SpaceX effort launched the Crew Dragon to bring them back.
Crew Dragon's Historic Docking
On March 16, SpaceX's Crew Dragon successfully docked with the ISS under the Crew-10 mission. This is the 11th human-crewed flight under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Four new astronauts also arrived at the ISS aboard this spacecraft, relieving Williams and Wilmore. Following docking, all astronauts removed their spacesuits and engaged in cargo transfer and other preparations. The ISS hatch will soon be opened to welcome the new Crew-10 astronauts. The Crew Dragon will depart from space for Earth on March 19 and is expected to land in the Atlantic Ocean.
Former US President Donald Trump has been consistently monitoring updates on this mission. He appealed to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to ensure Sunita Williams' swift return. Elon Musk and NASA prioritized the matter, expediting the Crew Dragon mission.
New Astronauts Arrive at the ISS
Four new astronauts arrived at the ISS via the Crew Dragon spacecraft:
* Anne McClain (NASA Commander)
* Ayrs Pilot (NASA)
* Takuya Onishi (JAXA, Japan)
* Kirill Piskunov (Russian Cosmonaut)
What was the objective of the Boeing Crew Mission?
This mission aimed to utilize US-developed spacecraft for travel to and from the International Space Station. The objective was to develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective space transport. However, technical problems with the Boeing Starliner increased the mission's challenges.
With Sunita Williams' return, this long and unexpected mission will conclude. All eyes are now on March 19, when this historic spacecraft will bring her and Butch Wilmore safely back to Earth.
