Sun Sep 29 02:59:34 UTC 2024: ## SpaceX to Launch Rescue Mission to ISS, Bringing Two Astronauts Home

**CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA** – SpaceX is set to launch two astronauts into orbit on Saturday evening, in a mission aimed at finally bringing home Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for eight months.

The Dragon spacecraft, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will launch from Cape Canaveral around 10:45 pm IST, with a scheduled docking at the ISS approximately 30 hours later. The two astronauts will join the existing crew, including Williams and Wilmore, for a five-month science mission as part of Expedition 72.

Williams and Wilmore’s extended stay on the ISS was due to unforeseen complications with their original return vehicle, a Boeing Starliner capsule. The capsule experienced multiple failures, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, rendering it unsafe for a return trip. After months of analysis, NASA decided to bring the Starliner back uncrewed, landing it in New Mexico on September 6th.

The successful SpaceX mission will finally allow Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth, with their departure scheduled for February 2025 alongside the SpaceX Crew-9 duo.

The launch is expected to occur on Saturday, with backup opportunities available for Sunday or Monday in case of weather or technical issues.

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