NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, initially set to launch on September 26, has been delayed due to weather concerns related to Tropical Storm Helene. The launch is now scheduled for no earlier than 1:17 pm EDT on September 28, with a backup launch window on September 29 if needed.
The Crew-9 mission holds a crucial role in bringing astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back home from the International Space Station (ISS). These two astronauts were initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, but technical issues arose, delaying their return. Due to safety concerns, NASA decided to bring back an empty Starliner, leading to the decision to utilize SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission for Williams and Wilmore’s return.
To accommodate the return of Williams and Wilmore, the Crew-9 mission has been adjusted from its original four-person crew to a two-person crew. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will be the two astronauts embarking on this mission, flying to the ISS as commander and mission specialist, respectively.
The mission’s delay stems from the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Helene on the Florida panhandle. Though the storm’s direct path isn’t expected to hit Cape Canaveral, the storm system’s size will likely bring high winds and heavy rain to the launch site. To ensure the safety of the crew and the mission, NASA and SpaceX teams have opted for a delay to allow for necessary rehearsals and preparations.
The Crew-9 mission marks the ninth crew rotation mission with SpaceX under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The launch will be broadcast live approximately one hour before liftoff on X (formerly Twitter), and viewers can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app. This mission represents a significant step in continuing the vital research and operations conducted aboard the International Space Station.
