September 28th, 2024

SpaceX launches Crew-9 with two people to bring back Boeing crew

SpaceX and NASA launched Crew-9 on September 28, 2024, with two astronauts instead of four due to Boeing Starliner issues, for a six-month mission aboard the ISS.

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SpaceX launches Crew-9 with two people to bring back Boeing crew

SpaceX and NASA successfully launched Crew-9 on September 28, 2024, for a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, which took place at 1:17 PM EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, was notable for being the first crew mission to depart from the SLC-40 launch pad. Initially planned to carry four astronauts, the mission launched with only two due to issues with the Boeing Starliner vehicle, which affected the crew manifest. The remaining seats will be utilized by Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are scheduled to return in February 2025. The original crew included Commander Zena Cardman, Pilot Nick Hague, Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, and Aleksandr Gorbunov from Roscosmos. However, the launch was delayed from its original date of September 25 due to Hurricane Helene. The mission reflects ongoing challenges in crewed spaceflight, particularly with the Boeing Starliner, which has faced multiple issues both pre-launch and in orbit.

- SpaceX and NASA launched Crew-9 with only two astronauts instead of the planned four.

- The launch occurred on September 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

- The mission is set for a six-month duration aboard the ISS.

- The launch was delayed from September 25 due to Hurricane Helene.

- Boeing's Crew Flight Test issues impacted the original crew manifest.

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