In a significant development, SpaceX and NASA’s Crew-10 mission successfully launched on March 14, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch comes just eight days after a Starship rocket explosion that caused delays in flight operations and raised concerns about the safety of space travel.
The Crew-10 mission, which took off at 7:03 p.m. ET, carries a team of astronauts—Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, alongside JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Their mission is to reach the International Space Station (ISS), where they will oversee a handover process with the current crew, including NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been in space for nearly nine months.
The launch was originally scheduled for March 12 but was postponed due to a hydraulic issue. NASA has indicated that the Crew-10 spacecraft will autonomously dock with the ISS approximately 28.5 hours after launch.
Wilmore and Williams, who arrived at the ISS in June 2024, had expected to return home within ten days but faced delays due to mechanical issues with their spacecraft. Their prolonged stay has sparked discussions on social media and even political commentary, with figures like President Donald Trump expressing concerns about their extended mission.
In a recent interview, Wilmore expressed optimism, stating they don’t feel abandoned, and emphasized their ongoing commitment to their work in space. Williams echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique experiences they continue to encounter.
SpaceX’s recent launch was a crucial step in restoring confidence following the Starship explosion, which resulted in the loss of several rocket engines and prompted a thorough investigation by the company in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.
As the Crew-10 astronauts make their way to the ISS, the anticipation builds for Wilmore and Williams, who are now one step closer to their long-awaited return to Earth.
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