SpaceX is preparing for its Crew-10 mission to replace NASA astronauts Sunni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have extended their stay aboard the International Space Station due to delays. Scheduled for launch at 7:03 p.m. ET on Friday, the mission will take four astronauts to the ISS, with a planned docking time late Saturday. Their arrival is crucial for the return of the Crew-9 astronauts, as their plans have been deferred pending the Crew-10 launch. Delays in launch have been attributed to technical issues, but SpaceX is hopeful for a successful mission.
NASA had slated Williams, Wilmore and the other Crew-9 astronauts to return as soon as Sunday. However, their departure hinges on the safe arrival of the relief crew.
A SpaceX Dragon capsule, sitting atop one of the company's Falcon 9 rockets, will carry four Crew-10 astronauts to orbit.
If all goes according to plan, Williams, Wilmore, Hague and Gorbunov will climb aboard the Crew-9 spacecraft and head back to Earth on March 19.
SpaceX called off an attempt to launch the Crew-10 mission on Wednesday due to issues with the company's launchpad ground systems.
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