SpaceX Rescue Mission Docks at ISS to Return Stranded Astronauts to Earth
SpaceX Crew Welcomed by “Alien” During ISS Rescue Mission
[Image: NASA astronaut Nick Hague in an alien mask greeting the arriving crew.]
Caption: Astronaut Nick Hague humorously greeted the rescue team with an alien mask.
A SpaceX Dragon capsule arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) to retrieve astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stranded for nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner. The rescue crew was met with a playful “alien” welcome from NASA astronaut Nick Hague, who wore an extraterrestrial mask during their arrival.
The mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, delivered four new crew members—NASA’s Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan’s Takuya Onishi, and Russia’s Kirill Pesko—to replace Williams, Wilmore, and two others. The Dragon capsule docked at 12:04 AM ET on Sunday after a 28-hour journey.
[Image: Crew-10 astronauts floating into the ISS.]
Caption: The Crew-10 team entered the ISS to cheers and hugs.
Originally slated for an eight-day mission, Williams and Wilmore faced repeated delays when Boeing’s Starliner encountered problems, forcing NASA to rely on SpaceX for their return. Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump claimed the delay was politically motivated, though NASA denied this.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” Williams said of the extended stay. She and Wilmore will assist the new crew before departing as early as Wednesday. Their return concludes a mission mired in controversy, including accusations that the Biden administration delayed rescue efforts to avoid boosting Trump’s image.
[Image: SpaceX Dragon capsule docking with the ISS.]
Caption: The Dragon capsule completed its rescue mission after a flawless docking.
The Crew-10 team will spend six months conducting research, while Williams and Wilmore prepare to reunite with their families. Williams expressed excitement about returning home to her husband, mother, and two dogs, while Wilmore looks forward to seeing his wife and daughters.
[Image: Williams and Wilmore with their families in earlier photos.]
Caption: Williams and Wilmore are eager to reunite with loved ones after their prolonged mission.
Despite the political drama, NASA emphasized the mission’s success, highlighting teamwork amid challenges. The astronauts’ resilience and the seamless SpaceX launch underscore ongoing advancements in space exploration, even as debates over governance linger.
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