A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, carrying a crew of two, has soared into space from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, initiating the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, originally planned for August, faced several delays, including one caused by Hurricane Helene, but ultimately took off successfully at 1:17 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 28.
The Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, into orbit from Space Launch Complex-40. This launch is notable for carrying only two astronauts, a departure from the typical four-member crew. The remaining seats are reserved for the return of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are currently on the ISS. They arrived on the first crewed test flight of the Boeing Starliner. Following technical issues with the Starliner’s thrusters, NASA decided to have Wilmore and Williams remain on the ISS and return to Earth with the Crew-9 astronauts. The four-person crew will then return to Earth using the Dragon spacecraft in February 2025.
This mission required significant adjustments to the original schedule and plans, which NASA Administrator Bill Nelson acknowledged. “This mission required a lot of operational and planning flexibility. I congratulate the entire team on a successful launch today, and godspeed to Nick and Aleksandr as they make their way to the space station,” said Nelson. He also commended the teamwork and adaptability of the NASA teams, commercial partners, and international partners in ensuring the safe and professional operation of the ISS.
Hague and Gorbunov are expected to arrive at the ISS on the afternoon of Sunday, September 29, where they will join the ISS Expedition 72 crew. The ISS currently houses nine individuals – six NASA astronauts and three Roscosmos cosmonauts – who will welcome the new arrivals with a ceremony.
NASA will livestream the Dragon’s arrival at the ISS, the docking procedure, the hatch opening, and the welcome ceremony. You can watch along on NASA’s YouTube channel, with coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
