CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After lifting off just over a day prior, a SpaceX crew capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station on Sunday. This mission brought fresh replacements for NASA’s two astronauts who have been stranded.
The new arrivals, who hail from the U.S., Japan, and Russia, will spend the coming days acclimating to their new environment, guided by seasoned astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Later in the week, Wilmore and Williams will prepare to board their awaiting SpaceX capsule, which has been stationed at the space station since last year. This will conclude an unexpectedly extended mission that commenced in June of the previous year.
Originally, Wilmore and Williams anticipated a brief jaunt of just one week when they embarked on Boeing’s inaugural astronaut flight. However, due to various setbacks, they marked nine months in space earlier this month.
Boeing’s Starliner capsule faced numerous challenges, compelling NASA to order its return without any occupants, leaving Wilmore and Williams to remain until a SpaceX capsule could facilitate their return.
Upon arrival, Wilmore opened the space station’s hatch and signaled the arrival of the newcomers by ringing the ship’s bell as they floated into the station. The scene was filled with warm embraces and handshakes.
“It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive,” remarked Williams to Mission Control.
Wilmore and Williams’ ride docked back at the station in late September, with the capacity to transport two additional astronauts on the return trip. However, unforeseen battery issues with their replacements’ new capsule led to further delays. Eventually, an older capsule stepped in, rescheduling their return to mid-March.
Weather conditions permitting, the SpaceX capsule carrying Wilmore, Williams, and two other astronauts is set to undock no earlier than Wednesday, aiming for a splashdown near Florida’s coast.
In the meantime, the station’s crew count will stand at 11, composed of representatives from the U.S., Russia, and Japan.
