Wed Feb 12 07:16:37 UTC 2025: ## NASA Swaps Capsules, Bringing Home Stranded Astronauts Sooner

**Cape Canaveral, FL – February 12, 2025** – NASA announced a schedule adjustment for its upcoming Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), opting to use a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule instead of a new one due to production delays. This change accelerates the launch to March 12th, impacting the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been unexpectedly extended on the ISS after a faulty Boeing Starliner flight last summer.

The decision, which utilizes the SpaceX capsule “Endeavor,” allows for the earlier return of Wilmore and Williams. Their prolonged stay stemmed from the Starliner’s malfunctions and the need to maintain a consistent American crew presence on the ISS. This return was expedited following President Trump’s direct intervention last month, urging SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to bring the astronauts home “as soon as possible.” While NASA maintains the capsule swap was not solely motivated by Trump’s request, the agency affirmed its commitment to returning the astronauts as quickly as practical.

The unexpected switch has ripple effects. SpaceX’s planned Fram2 private mission, which was slated to use the Endeavor capsule, will now use a different spacecraft. Axiom Space, which facilitates private and government astronaut missions, may also experience scheduling changes to its planned Crew Dragon mission.

This decision highlights the inherent complexities of human spaceflight and the interplay between government directives, private space companies, and international collaborations. The ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner program, developed under the same NASA Commercial Crew Program as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, further underscore the challenges of developing reliable and cost-effective spacecraft.

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