SpaceX Crew 9 Mission: American and Russian Astronauts Set for Launch

Get ready for liftoff! NASA’s SpaceX Crew 9 mission is set to launch on

Saturday, September 28th, at 1:17 pm ET (10:47 pm IST)

, weather permitting. This mission, a testament to international collaboration in space exploration, will see American astronaut

Nick Hague

and Russian cosmonaut

Aleksandr Gorbunov

embark on a five-month journey to the International Space Station (ISS). Their primary objective: to bring home astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are currently aboard the ISS.

This launch marks a significant step forward following delays caused by technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. NASA has made strategic decisions to address these issues, including downsizing the Crew 9 mission to two astronauts and arranging for Sunita and Butch to return on a SpaceX Dragon craft in February 2025.

Hague, a veteran astronaut with experience on the ISS, will lead the mission as commander. His background includes a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from MIT. He’s also no stranger to space, having previously served as a Flight Engineer on the ISS during Expedition 59 and 60. This will be Hague’s second spaceflight, following a harrowing launch abort in 2018.

Gorbunov, a Russian cosmonaut making his first trip to the ISS, will be the mission specialist. He brings a wealth of experience in spacecraft engineering and has worked at RSC Energia, a leading Russian manufacturer of spacecraft. Gorbunov is eager to contribute to the mission, including taking breathtaking photos of Earth from the ISS and participating in various scientific experiments.

The Crew 9 launch is a momentous occasion for space exploration, highlighting the ongoing partnership between NASA and Roscosmos. The duo will reach the space station at 5:30 pm ET on Sunday (3 am on Monday). This mission symbolizes the shared commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and pushing the boundaries of human exploration in the final frontier. Stay tuned for updates on the launch and the exciting journey ahead for the Crew 9 astronauts!