Why NASA SpaceX Crew-10 Rocket Launch to Bring Back Stuck Astronauts Was Scrubbed: What to Expect Next

NASA and SpaceX mission to send Crew-10 to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed due to a technical snag. The mission, which was set to replace the Crew-9 team, including stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, faced a last-minute hurdle on Wednesday night. SpaceX has now hinted at another launch attempt as early as Thursday night.  

A Delayed Rescue for Stranded Astronauts  

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been on the ISS for over nine months, well beyond their scheduled return. The duo was supposed to return earlier, but technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft forced them to extend their stay. The delay in Crew-10’s arrival means they will have to wait even longer. The mission has gained urgency, especially after US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Elon Musk to help NASA to expedite efforts to bring them back.

Why Was the Launch Scrubbed?

Crew-10, consisting of four astronauts, was expected to reach the ISS and take over operations, allowing Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth. However, a hydraulic issue on the ground disrupted these plans. The problem was detected in one of the clamp arms on the transporter erector, the system responsible for holding the Falcon 9 rocket steady before launch. The malfunction prevented the clamp from opening fully, forcing SpaceX to call off the launch at the last moment.  

New Lauch Date and Time, What to Expect

Despite the setback, SpaceX and NASA are pushing for another attempt soon. Two backup launch opportunities have been scheduled:  

Thursday, March 13 at 7:26 pm.
Friday, March 14 at 7:03 pm.

Both teams are carefully reviewing the technical issue before confirming the next launch time. Their top priority is the safety of the crew and the success of the mission.

Who Are All on the Crew? 

When Crew-10 finally lifts off, it will carry four astronauts from different space agencies. The team is led by Commander Anne McClain, an experienced NASA astronaut from Spokane, Washington, who has already spent time in space before. Alongside her is Pilot Nichole Ayers, a first-time space traveler from Colorado.  

Joining them is Kirill Peskov, a mission specialist from Russia’s Roscosmos agency, also on his first spaceflight. Completing the crew is Takuya Onishi, a seasoned astronaut from Japan’s JAXA, heading to space for the third time.  

What Will Crew-10 Do on the ISS?  

Once they reach the ISS, the Crew-10 team will take over duties from Crew-9 and begin a series of important scientific experiments. NASA has outlined a range of research activities aimed at preparing for deep space exploration while also benefiting life on Earth.  

The astronauts will conduct tests on spacecraft materials, study how space travel affects the human body, and even engage with students via ham radio. A key experiment includes testing a lunar navigation system, which could be crucial for future Moon and Mars missions. According to NASA, there are over 200 experiments currently being conducted aboard the ISS, with Crew-10 playing a significant role in advancing these studies.  

What's Next?

The successful launch of Crew-10 is eagerly awaited by space enthusiasts and the families of the astronauts. With the current crew having spent an extended period on the ISS, their return depends entirely on the timely arrival of the new team. The delay in the launch has increased the pressure on both NASA and SpaceX to resolve the issue quickly.

In simple terms, the entire mission is like a relay race in space. The current runners (Crew-9) cannot finish their race and return home until the next team (Crew-10) takes the baton. The upcoming launch attempt is therefore seen as a crucial moment that will allow the stranded crew to finally end their long stay at the International Space Station.

As the countdown resets, everyone involved is working hard to fix the glitch, ensuring that the next launch is a success and that the Crew-9 team can safely return to Earth.