NASA SpaceX Rocket Launch Historic Rescue Mission: Crew-10 Departs to Retrieve Stranded Astronauts from ISS: (NASA SpaceX rocket launch, stranded astronauts, Crew 10 launch, International Space Station, Falcon 9, Kennedy Space Center, Sunita Williams, Boeing Starliner, SpaceX rescue mission) SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Successfully Launches Crew-10 from Kennedy Space Center
In a high-stakes mission, SpaceX’s Crew-10 launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral on Friday, March 14, 2025, to rescue astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024. The liftoff followed a 48-hour delay due to a hydraulic ground system issue, with teams working swiftly to ensure a flawless second attempt.
Rescue Mission Details: Bringing Home the Stranded Crew
NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams originally arrived at the ISS aboard Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft, which suffered critical helium leaks and thruster malfunctions during docking. After the unmanned return of Starliner in September 2024, the duo’s one-week mission stretched into a nine-month ordeal, during which they contributed over 900 hours of scientific research.
Crew-10, commanded by NASA’s Anne McClain and piloted by Nichole Ayers, alongside mission specialists Takuya Onishi (JAXA) and Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos), will replace the current Crew-9 team. After a handover period, Wilmore, Williams, and Crew-9 members will return to Earth via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft as early as Sunday.
Launch Highlights: Traditions, Delays, and Falcon 9’s Precision
- Pre-Launch Rituals: The Crew-10 team suited up in a room adorned with Apollo mission photos, rode Teslas with “LIF10FF” license plates to the pad, and played a card game for luck—a nod to astronaut traditions.
- Weather & Timing: Despite a 95% favorable weather forecast, cumulus clouds posed minor concerns. The Falcon 9 ultimately launched at 7 p.m. ET, marking SpaceX’s fourth crewed rescue operation.
- Starliner Setbacks: Boeing’s spacecraft issues delayed Wilmore and Williams’ return, prompting NASA to lean on SpaceX’s proven Dragon capsule for the rescue.
Why This Mission Matters
- ISS Research Continuity: Crew-10 will conduct microgravity experiments and station maintenance during their six-month stay.
- Partnership Milestone: The mission underscores NASA’s reliance on SpaceX for crewed missions amid Boeing’s struggles, reinforcing the Commercial Crew Program’s success.
- Global Collaboration: With Roscosmos and JAXA astronauts onboard, the launch highlights international cooperation in space exploration.
What’s Next for the ISS and Stranded Astronauts?
- Return Timeline: Wilmore, Williams, and Crew-9 are slated for a splashdown off Florida’s coast this weekend.
- Starliner’s Future: Boeing aims to address propulsion issues before reattempting crewed flights.
- Live Coverage: Follow NASA’s live stream for real-time updates on the Crew-10 mission and return operations.