Sat Mar 15 23:00:00 UTC 2025: **SpaceX Launches Crew to Rescue Stranded Astronauts**

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a four-person crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday night, March 14, 2025, paving the way for the return of two NASA astronauts stranded in space for nine months.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, whose mission was extended due to unforeseen technical issues with their original spacecraft, are expected to return to Earth next week. Their rescue mission was initially scheduled for February but was delayed due to necessary repairs on the SpaceX capsule. To expedite the return, SpaceX ultimately used a previously flown capsule.

The Crew-10 mission, comprising NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Japan’s Takuya Onishi and Russia’s Kirill Peskov, will spend six months on the ISS. The arrival of Crew-10 will allow for a crew handover, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities before Wilmore and Williams depart.

The two stranded astronauts, both retired Navy captains, experienced multiple technical difficulties during their mission. Initially expecting a short trip, their return was delayed by helium leaks and thruster failures in their Boeing Starliner capsule, prompting a comprehensive investigation. A last-minute hydraulics issue delayed the launch of Crew-10 earlier in the week but was resolved.

Their extended stay, which captured significant public attention and even involved political commentary from President Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, has been challenging for the astronauts and their families. Despite the circumstances, Wilmore and Williams maintained a positive attitude, contributing significantly to ISS operations and even setting a new record for women’s cumulative spacewalk time (Williams now has nine).

The successful launch of Crew-10 marks a significant step towards resolving the unprecedented situation and brings the long-awaited return of Wilmore and Williams closer. Their splashdown off the Florida coast is anticipated next week, pending favorable weather conditions.

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