SpaceX Launches Two-Person Crew to ISS, Bringing Supplies and Empty Seats for Starliner Astronauts
SpaceX launched a two-person crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on October 7th, 2023. The mission, designated Crew-9, also carried supplies and two empty seats for Starliner astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who are awaiting a ride home in February after an unexpected eight-and-a-half-month stay in orbit.
The launch was delayed two days due to weather concerns and marked several firsts for SpaceX, including the first piloted spaceflight from pad 40 and the first ever from the Space Force station.
After a successful launch and separation from the Falcon 9 rocket, the Crew Dragon is on a 28-hour journey to the ISS. Docking is expected at 5:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 8th.
Hague and Gorbunov will join the current ISS crew and replace the Crew-8 astronauts, who are scheduled to return to Earth around October 7th after a 217-day mission.
The Crew Dragon also carries supplies for Wilmore and Williams, who were launched on the Starliner's first piloted test flight in June. The mission was initially expected to last eight to ten days, but multiple helium leaks and degraded thrust in the Starliner's propulsion system led to an early return without the crew.
Instead of waiting for the Starliner to be ready, NASA opted to launch the Crew-9 Dragon with just two crew members to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth in February. By the time they land, they will have logged more than 262 days in space.
While some have called the Crew-9 mission a "rescue" mission, NASA emphasizes that Wilmore and Williams always had a way home. The current option was chosen to minimize disruption to the ISS crew rotation schedule.
The transition from a four-person crew to a two-person crew presented unique challenges for both Hague and Gorbunov, as well as for Wilmore and Williams, who never trained for a Crew Dragon flight. They will need to integrate the other two crew members into Dragon operations despite their limited training.
Hague, a Space Force colonel and experienced astronaut, will serve as the mission commander. Gorbunov, who is not trained as a Crew Dragon pilot, will assist Hague during launch and provide additional support throughout the mission.
With a successful launch and a smooth journey to the ISS, the Crew-9 mission is set to continue the vital work of scientific research and exploration aboard the International Space Station.