After months in space, two American astronauts are finally set to return from the ISS. A SpaceX spacecraft successfully docked with the space station this morning.
The SpaceX and NASA capsule, which will bring the two Americans back to Earth, successfully connected to the ISS after a smooth flight. On board was also a new crew. ‘Crew 10’ consists of two Americans, a Japanese astronaut, and a Russian cosmonaut. They will replace Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore.
Return After Months
The mission of Wilmore and Williams began in June and was originally planned to last just over a week. However, due to problems with the Boeing capsule that was supposed to bring them back, they have been stranded aboard the ISS ever since.
On Friday, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule was launched. It arrived at the space station this morning, shortly after 5:00 AM Dutch time. The plan is for the two astronauts to return to Earth on Wednesday morning using another capsule that has been docked to the ISS for several months. They are expected to land off the coast of Florida.
Boeing
Initially, the American astronauts were supposed to return to Earth aboard a Boeing spacecraft. However, during the docking of Boeing’s Starliner on June 6, multiple issues arose. Five of the 28 thrusters malfunctioned, and helium leaked. Since then, trust in Boeing has declined, and SpaceX has taken over the role of returning the astronauts.
Docking a space capsule with the International Space Station requires extreme precision. SpaceX has developed a simulation that allows users to experience firsthand how challenging it is to dock a capsule with the ISS.