Williams expressed joy upon the arrival of their friends at the International Space Station, telling Mission Control, ‘It was a wonderful day.’
The SpaceX Crew-10 capsule successfully reached the International Space Station on March 16, one day after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The new crew members have replaced the two U.S. astronauts who were originally meant to return nine months ago.
The team of four astronauts represents the United States, Japan, and Russia. They will spend the upcoming days adjusting to life on the space station while Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare for their long-awaited journey back to Earth next week.
Wilmore and Williams will board the SpaceX Crew-9 capsule, which began its journey to the ISS last year, marking the end of their extended mission that was initially planned to last only a week when they launched in June 2024.
The duo’s journey faced challenges as they were part of Boeing Starliner’s first manned test flight to space, which extended to nine months in orbit due to various technical issues. Starliner encountered problems, including helium leaks, leading to delays in their return trip, and ultimately leaving them stranded on the ISS until a SpaceX capsule could bring them home.
Wilmore greeted the new arrivals with open arms, opening the space station’s hatch and ringing the ship’s bell as each astronaut floated in. Handshakes and hugs welcomed the newcomers.
The SpaceX Crew-9 capsule, which will carry Wilmore and Williams back to Earth, faced delays due to battery issues, leading to repairs and rescheduling their return to mid-March.
The capsule is set to undock from the ISS after March 19, weather permitting, and splash down off the coast of Florida, with eleven astronauts remaining onboard the ISS until then.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, assured the press that there was always a plan for the astronauts to return home. The Crew-9 capsule was chosen to bring Wilmore and Williams back, completing their mission as Crew-10 arrived to relieve them.
Stich mentioned the seamless handover between Crew-9 and Crew-10, noting the unique aspect of launching with Starliner and returning with Dragon for Wilmore and Williams.
TJ Muscaro and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
