INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying two astronauts, blasted off on Saturday afternoon on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marks a unique return trip, as the Dragon will bring back two astronauts who have been on the ISS since June.
The spacecraft, named Crew-9 Dragon, launched with two empty seats and extra spacesuits for astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams. Wilmore and Williams were initially part of the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner, but their mission was cut short due to mechanical issues.
The unmanned Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth on September 7th after experiencing several technical problems. As a result, Wilmore and Williams remained on the ISS until February 2025.
The Crew-9 Dragon was originally intended to transport four astronauts for a routine science mission to the ISS. However, the mission has been adjusted to accommodate the return of Wilmore and Williams. Astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov will be the crew members traveling to the ISS on this mission.
The spacecraft is expected to autonomously dock with the space station at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 29th, after a 28.5-hour journey. The Dragon will be traveling at a speed of 17,000 mph while orbiting Earth. (Red)
