Recently, NASA and SpaceX announced that the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station has been postponed to September 28th at 1:17 PM EDT (10:47 PM IST) due to Tropical Storm Helene. The mission is a key part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program and features two astronauts, Nick Hague from NASA and Aleksandr Gorbunov from Roscosmos, who will spend approximately five months on the ISS conducting scientific research and maintenance tasks. The delay was necessary due to the impending impact of the storm on the launch site at Cape Canaveral. NASA and SpaceX prioritized the safety of the crew and mission operations, returning the spacecraft to the hangar to protect it from potential storm damage. Meanwhile, astronaut Sunita Williams, who is currently on the ISS, is not directly involved in the Crew-9 mission but is expected to return to Earth in February 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule after facing delays with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.As the Crew-9 mission is not scheduled for an immediate return, it is crucial for SpaceX to gather data from this significant mission that will enhance preparations for their upcoming journey home. Importance of Crew-9: The Crew-9 mission holds immense importance for the following reasons: Data Collection: This mission will enable SpaceX to collect vital data that is expected to enhance crew safety, improve mission preparation, and overall mission success. ISS Operations: The presence of Hague and Gorbunov on the International Space Station is essential for ongoing scientific research and station maintenance. NASA-SpaceX Partnership: The Crew-9 mission highlights the partnership between NASA and SpaceX, leading to potential advancements in human spaceflight capabilities.
Image credit: Instagram/@nasaastronauts It has been recently declared by NASA and SpaceX that the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station has been postponed to 28th September at 1:17 PM EDT ...