SpaceX Postpones Launch to Rescue Stranded Astronauts

Fri Jul 18 2025 16:53:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
SpaceX Postpones Launch to Rescue Stranded Astronauts

A delay due to hydraulic issues prevents the return of two NASA astronauts after over nine months aboard the ISS.


The Falcon 9 launch intended to bring back stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore has been postponed due to a hydraulic problem. The pair has been at the ISS since June but are training for the unexpected.

SpaceX's anticipated Falcon 9 launch to navigate the return of two NASA astronauts has been delayed due to a hydraulic ground issue identified at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The rescheduled launch opportunity now lies on Thursday, but uncertainty surrounds the repair timeline for the affected equipment.

The mission was critical for bringing home astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stationed at the International Space Station (ISS) since their launch on June 5, 2024. Following their arrival, a safety assessment deemed the Boeing spacecraft's return capability unsafe, leaving them trapped in orbit while they assisted with ongoing ISS operations for over nine months.

Originally set for launch on Wednesday, the mission would have allowed Williams and Wilmore to potentially return as early as Sunday. Nevertheless, an issue pertaining to the hydraulics of one of the clamp arms raised concerns from SpaceX engineers. The functionality of this component is crucial for a safe launch, with fears that it may not fully deploy during the ascent.

While the extended space duration has its challenges, both astronauts have maintained a positive mindset. During a September press briefing from the ISS, Williams remarked on her adaptability, humorously referring to space as her "happy place," while also expressing her longing for home, particularly her family and two dogs. Wilmore reiterated their preparedness for unforeseen circumstances, stating they would remain at the ISS indefinitely if required, showcasing the extensive training astronauts undergo to adapt to such situations.

Both crew members emphasized a newfound perspective on Earth’s importance, articulating how their time in orbit has shifted their outlook. "It's the one planet we have and we should be taking care of it," Williams noted, reflecting on the responsibilities tied to their unique positions in space. As preparations for the postponed launch continue, the global community watches closely, hopeful for the safe return of these committed astronauts.

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