SpaceX was forced to abort its latest launch attempt to rescue two NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024. The mission, meant to bring Suni Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore back to Earth, was halted due to an issue with the hydraulic system on the launch tower, rather than a problem with the spacecraft itself. The launch has now been rescheduled for March 14, with a backup date on March 15 if further delays occur.
The two astronauts originally traveled to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule for what was supposed to be a short mission. However, the spacecraft experienced multiple helium propulsion system leaks and failed maneuvering jets, making it unsafe for their return. While Boeing managers believed the capsule could still be used, NASA ruled otherwise, leaving the astronauts stuck in orbit while alternative solutions were explored.
Despite the ongoing delays, Williams and Wilmore have remained in good spirits, frequently updating NASA on their condition. SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, which will bring them home, is also delivering four new astronauts to the ISS: Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov. The mission will use a Dragon spacecraft that has previously completed multiple flights to and from the space station.
With rescue efforts repeatedly postponed, frustration has been growing within the space community, and even Donald Trump has weighed in with controversial remarks about the delays. As SpaceX works to resolve the latest issue, all eyes are on the next launch window, with hopes that the astronauts will finally return home after nearly nine months in space.
