SpaceX postpones ISS astronaut rescue mission at last minute

(CLO) On Wednesday (March 12), SpaceX postponed the rescue flight of two NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams stuck on the International Space Station (ISS), due to a last-minute problem with the hydraulic system.

The flight was carried out by Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center (Florida, USA). Four astronauts were already wearing their seat belts. However, the decision to postpone the launch was made just an hour before the scheduled departure time.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore (right) and Suni Williams. Photo: X

The astronaut group in the mission named Crew-10 includes: expert Kirill Peskov (Russia), pilot Nichole Ayers and commander Anne McClain (USA), along with expert Takuya Onishi (Japan).

SpaceX has not announced a new launch schedule, but will likely try again on Thursday (March 14).

NASA has accelerated the rescue mission by two weeks due to pressure from US President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who have called for astronauts Wilmore and Williams to be brought back earlier than NASA originally planned.

The astronauts had previously stayed on the ISS longer than planned because Boeing's Starliner spacecraft had flown them there, but was unable to return them to Earth due to technical problems. Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk have accused the Biden administration of delaying the return of Wilmore and Williams.

NASA confirmed that the two astronauts are safe and continue to participate in research and maintenance of the ISS with their colleagues. Astronaut Williams shared: "We are still performing our missions every day, working in space is still very exciting." The astronaut also expressed his wish to soon reunite with his family and pets when he returns.

Cao Phong (according to SpaceX, NASA, DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/spacex-hoan-nhiem-vu-giai-cuu-cac-phi-hanh-gia-iss-vao-phut-chot-post338303.html