NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 en route to Space Station, paving way for return of two stuck astronauts
Four astronauts have launched from Florida as they embark on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station.
The launch was expected to liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday. However, the launch was postponed to Friday at 7:03 p.m. due to a hydraulic ground issue. Officials, after the launch was canceled on Wednesday, reported the capsule had helium leaks and thruster problems.
“Spaceflight is tough, but humans are tougher," McClain said minutes into the flight on Friday evening.
The arrival of Crew-10 at the ISS will pave the way for Crew-9's return to Earth, including NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck in space since June 2024.
Their return to Earth was delayed due to safety concerns regarding the Boeing Starliner capsule they used for their journey.
Video below: See Crew-10's successful launch from Florida's Space Coast on Friday evening
About the Crew-10 mission
NASA said the crew will conduct more than 200 experiments during their mission.
One of the most prominent experiments includes material flammability tests. This will help "contribute to future spacecraft and facility designs," according to NASA.
The crew is also expected to communicate with students worldwide via ham radio and use its current hardware to test a "backup lunar navigation system."
Video below: Spectators in Florida talk about Crew-10 launch
NASA also said the astronauts will act as test subjects, with one crew member leading a study to understand how space affects the body and mind.
This research will help prepare for future deep-space missions.
About the crew
The mission features NASA astronauts Anne McClain, the commander, and Nichole Ayers, the pilot.
They are joined by Takuya Onishi, a mission specialist from Japan, and Kirill Peskov, a cosmonaut from Russia.
They will spend the next six months at the space station, which is considered the normal stint.
Video below: Before Friday's launch, the Crew-10 members sat down and discussed the upcoming mission.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
