SpaceX Delays Flight to Replace NASA’s Stuck Astronauts after Launch Pad Problem

[Ghoti Ichthus]

SpaceX Delays Flight to Replace NASA’s Stuck Astronauts after Launch Pad Problem
By MARCIA DUNN
Updated 9:50 PM CDT, March 12, 2025

"CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A launch pad problem prompted SpaceX to delay a flight to the International Space Station on Wednesday to replace NASA’s two stuck astronauts.
The new crew needs to get to the International Space Station before Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams can head home after nine months in orbit.
Concerns over a critical hydraulic system arose less than four hours before the Falcon rocket’s planned evening liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. As the countdown clocks ticked down, engineers evaluated the hydraulics used to release one of the two arms clamping the rocket to its support structure. This structure needs to tilt back right before liftoff.
Already strapped into their capsule, the four astronauts awaited a final decision, which came down with less than an hour remaining in the countdown. SpaceX canceled for the day. Officials later said the launch was off until at least Friday."

More

SpaceX delays flight to replace NASA's stuck astronauts after launch pad problem

A launch pad problem has forced a flight delay to replace NASA's two stuck astronauts. The new crew needs to get to the International Space Station before Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams can head home after nine months in orbit.

apnews.com

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

SpaceX Launches a New Crew to the Space Station to Replace NASA’s Stuck Astronauts​

By MARCIA DUNN
Updated 7:22 PM CDT, March 14, 2025

"CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The replacements for NASA’s two stuck astronauts launched to the International Space Station on Friday night, paving the way for the pair’s return after nine long months.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams need SpaceX to get this relief team to the space station before they can check out. Arrival is set for late Saturday night.
NASA wants overlap between the two crews so Wilmore and Williams can fill in the newcomers on happenings aboard the orbiting lab. That would put them on course for an undocking next week and a splashdown off the Florida coast, weather permitting.
The duo will be escorted back by astronauts who flew up on a rescue mission on SpaceX last September alongside two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams on the return leg."

More

SpaceX launches a new crew to the space station to replace NASA's stuck astronauts

The replacements for NASA's two stuck astronauts are on their way to the International Space Station.

apnews.com

 

[mattfivefour]

The latest flight lifted off perfectly and the crew have now docked with the international space station. It was exciting to watch.