In a first of its kind move, NASA has benched two astronauts from the upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 mission to make room for two others (Starliner Crew) in need of a ride home from space. The mission, scheduled to launch on September 24, will now only include NASA astronaut and U.S. Space Force commander Nick Hague and Roscosmos astronaut and mission specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov.
Portraits of NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. (Credit: NASA)
The decision was made to accommodate NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are currently 'stranded' on the International Space Station (ISS) and were originally supposed to return to Earth on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. However, due to much reported issues with the Starliner's thrusters, NASA deemed it unsafe for the astronauts to return on the spacecraft.
"We had to make a tough decision to ensure the safety of our astronauts," said NASA chief astronaut Joe Acaba. "We're confident that Nick and Alex will do a great job on the mission, and we're grateful to have them step up to fill the roles."
Hague, a veteran of two previous space missions, will command the Crew-9 mission, while Gorbunov, who is on his first space trip, will serve as mission specialist. The two astronauts will join the Expedition 72 crew on the ISS, conducting scientific research and maintenance activities.
The original Crew-9 commander, Zena Cardman, and mission specialist, Stephanie Wilson, will not be part of the mission but are eligible for reassignment on a future mission. "We're disappointed to not be part of this mission, but we're proud to have been part of the training and preparation," said Cardman. "We're looking forward to flying on a future mission."
File photo of Starliner Crew Suni and Butch who will now hitch the ride on SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon Capsule. Photo: NASA
The Crew-9 mission was initially set to launch on August 18, but it has been delayed to September 24 to accommodate the changes. However, this new launch date is also uncertain due to the grounding of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket following a failed Starlink satellite mission launch.
NASA and SpaceX are working to resolve the issue and ensure a safe launch for the Crew-9 mission. "We're working closely with SpaceX to resolve the issue and ensure a safe launch," said Acaba. "We're confident that we'll get the mission off the ground soon."
Butch and Suni are set to return with Crew 9 in February next year.
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