Just over a day after launch, a SpaceX crew capsule docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, bringing replacements for two NASA astronauts who were having difficulties. The new crew, consisting of four astronauts from the United States, Japan, and Russia, will spend a few days familiarising themselves with the ISS under the guidance of current occupants Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
Later this week, Wilmore and Williams will return to Earth in their SpaceX capsule, concluding an unexpected extended mission that began in June. Initially scheduled to last a week, they hit the nine-month mark earlier this month due to complications with the Boeing Starliner capsule, which was supposed to bring them back but encountered multiple issues. NASA decided the Starliner would return empty, leaving the astronauts behind to await a SpaceX launch.
Their eventual return vehicle arrived in late September, but with only two crew members on board, leaving two seats available for their journey back. Compounding their wait, the replacement capsule required significant battery repairs, leading to further delays. Ultimately, another, older capsule was used for their return, slightly adjusting the timeline to mid-March.
Weather permitting, Wilmore and Williams, along with two additional astronauts, are expected to undock from the ISS no sooner than Wednesday, with plans to splash down off the coast of Florida. This ongoing saga highlights the unpredictable nature of space missions and the adaptability required from astronauts and agencies alike.