Finally, a SpaceX crew capsule has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS). Through this mission, four astronauts were sent by NASA to replace its two stranded crew members, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. For the unversed, both Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been stuck in space since June 2024.
New Astronauts Join the ISS
According to reports, Sunita and Butch will guide the four new astronauts, who represent the United States, Japan, and Russia. Over the next few days, the new crew will learn about the ins and outs of the ISS from the experienced astronauts.
The visuals of NASA and SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission docking at the ISS and the astronauts meeting Butch and Sunita are now going viral on social media.
Why Were Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore Stuck in Space?
Butch and Sunita traveled to space on Boeing’s first astronaut flight for a short one-week mission. However, their capsule faced multiple technical issues, forcing NASA to abandon its return with the crew on board.
In September 2024, NASA sent a SpaceX capsule with two astronauts to bring back Sunita and Butch. However, the capsule required multiple battery repairs, delaying their return.
NASA's Final Rescue Plan
After facing several delays, NASA and SpaceX decided to send an old and tested capsule to safely bring back Sunita and Butch. That capsule successfully landed on the ISS today.
Sunita & Butch Returning to Earth Soon
According to reports, Sunita and Butch are expected to return to Earth before Wednesday, finally ending their extended stay in space.