SpaceX launches rescue mission for 2 NASA astronauts who are stuck on the ISS
SpaceX launched a rescue mission on September 28, 2024, to retrieve stranded astronauts at the ISS, prompted by safety concerns with Boeing's Starliner, highlighting SpaceX's leadership in NASA's commercial crew program.
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SpaceX successfully launched a rescue mission on September 28, 2024, to retrieve two NASA astronauts, Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, who are stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) until next year. The mission was necessitated after a Boeing spacecraft, which was supposed to bring back astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, returned empty due to safety concerns. The newly launched SpaceX capsule has two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams, who will not return until late February 2025, having spent over eight months in space instead of the anticipated week. The decision to use SpaceX for the rescue was made after NASA deemed Boeing's Starliner too risky due to multiple technical issues. Hague, who has prior experience with launch emergencies, was appointed commander for this mission. The launch, which took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, was delayed due to Hurricane Helene but marked a significant moment as it was the first astronaut launch from that site. The mission underscores the ongoing challenges and changes in human spaceflight, particularly in the context of NASA's commercial crew program, where SpaceX has emerged as a leader over Boeing.
- SpaceX launched a rescue mission for stranded astronauts at the ISS on September 28, 2024.
- The mission was prompted by safety concerns with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
- Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov will remain in space until late February 2025.
- The launch was the first from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for astronauts.
- SpaceX continues to lead NASA's commercial crew program amid Boeing's ongoing challenges.
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Stranded astronauts' capsule heads home without them
Boeing's Starliner returned to Earth without astronauts due to safety issues, while Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will stay on the ISS until February 2025, returning via SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
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- There is skepticism about the term "rescue," with some commenters suggesting it is an exaggeration for a routine crew rotation.
- Concerns about Boeing's engineering and safety culture are prevalent, with several users criticizing the company's performance.
- Questions arise about the astronauts' well-being and the implications of their extended stay in space.
- Some commenters express gratitude towards SpaceX and Elon Musk for their role in the mission.
- Discussion about the media's portrayal of the event and its impact on public perception is noted.
22 commentshttps://www.space.com/spacex-pause-launches-crew-9-falcon-9-... ("SpaceX pausing launches to study Falcon 9 issue on Crew-9 astronaut mission")
- "After today’s successful launch of Crew-9, Falcon 9's second stage was disposed in the ocean as planned, but experienced an off-nominal deorbit burn. As a result, the second stage safely landed in the ocean, but outside of the targeted area. We will resume launching after we better understand root cause"
I'd imagine the former, but genuinely curious this time.
“Did I ever tell you about that time I was stuck in space for eight whole months? No?”
What kind of overtime do you think they are clocking?
It isn't a rescue mission, it's a regular crew rotation mission with modifications to account for the extra crew left on the station, and those crew are 'stuck' only in the sense that they're expected to stay there as part of their duties and it would be unnecessarily disruptive to operations to bring them back early. Starliner was still deemed to be safe enough to be the emergency escape option while it was docked, then the emergency escape option became seats setup in the cargo portion of the Crew-8 capsule.
The original title has the word "rescue."
The top comment is questioning the use of this word.
It seems likely that when the story originally appeared on HN, it had the accurate title reflecting the title of the article. Thus the comment from dotnet00, which I'm neutral on. But then, it would appear, the title was altered, to dampen a controversy? Is this how things are done around here? Anyone know more?
You get that they have no choice, right? And that for multiple reasons they are going to put the best spin on the event. For one, for their own sanity, they are going to be as positive and optimistic as possible. For two, there is likely a huge PR pressure to be as positive and optimistic as possible.
Being in space is a pretty big deal. It comes with lots of health risks, and they are isolated from their loved ones. For example, they might be missing funerals for friends or family members, they might be missing milestones of their children, etc... etc...
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Boeing employees 'humiliated' that upstart rival SpaceX will rescue astronauts
Boeing employees feel humiliated as NASA selects SpaceX to rescue astronauts stranded on the ISS due to Starliner issues, delaying their return to February 2025 amid ongoing safety concerns.
NASA makes room on SpaceX trip to return astronauts stuck in orbit
NASA has adjusted its SpaceX mission to accommodate stranded astronauts, with Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov launching in September, while Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore return in February due to Boeing Starliner issues.
Stranded astronauts' capsule heads home without them
Boeing's Starliner returned to Earth without astronauts due to safety issues, while Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will stay on the ISS until February 2025, returning via SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
Boeing Starliner astronauts speak out after capsule leaves without them
NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams are stranded on the ISS after the Starliner capsule returned without them, extending their mission to over eight months due to safety concerns and technical issues.
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