NASA SpaceX Launch: A new crew embarks to the ISS as Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore prepare for return | Watch video

NASA SpaceX Launch: SpaceX successfully launched a new crew to the International Space Station ( ISS ) on Friday night, marking an important milestone in NASA's Commercial Crew Program . The launch set the stage for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to return to Earth after spending an incredible nine months in space. This mission brings together a diverse team of astronauts who will replace the current ISS crew and ensure seamless operations for the space station.

New crew set to join ISS

The newly launched crew consists of NASA astronaut Anne McClain, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, Japan’s Takuya Onishi, and Russia’s Kirill Peskov. They lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX capsule , and their arrival at the ISS is expected to occur late Saturday. This new team will replace the existing crew, which includes Wilmore, Williams, NASA’s Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The transition will allow Wilmore and Williams to hand over operations before their scheduled return next week—weather permitting.

A delayed return: The journey of Wilmore and Williams

Wilmore and Williams initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June for what was planned as a brief test mission. However, technical difficulties—such as helium leaks and thruster failures—delayed their return to Earth. As a result, NASA opted to bring the astronauts home aboard a SpaceX mission instead. Further setbacks followed due to required battery repairs on the SpaceX capsule, which led NASA to use a refurbished spacecraft to expedite their return.

During their extended stay on the ISS, Wilmore and Williams were responsible for crucial maintenance tasks, such as repairing a malfunctioning toilet, watering plants, and conducting scientific experiments. Williams also made history, setting a new record for the most spacewalking hours by a female astronaut.

Political tensions and public support

The delay in the astronauts' return became a politically charged issue. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk accused the previous administration of causing the hold-up. However, both Wilmore and Williams stood by NASA’s decisions and supported the agency throughout the process.

As their return draws near, both astronauts have expressed their excitement about reuniting with their families. Wilmore, who is also a church elder, is eager to resume in-person ministry, while Williams is looking forward to spending time with her Labrador retrievers. “We appreciate all the love and support from everybody,” Williams shared earlier this week. “This mission has sparked more interest in space exploration, and that’s the true value of our journey.”