A launch pad issue forced SpaceX to delay a crucial flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday. The mission was to bring home the stranded ISS astronauts, NASA’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded in orbit for nine months.
Just hours before liftoff, engineers detected concerns with a critical hydraulic system. This system controls the release of one of the two arms holding the Falcon rocket in place. The arm must retract before launch.
Crew Already Seated When Launch Was Scrapped
The four astronauts were already strapped into their capsule, waiting for final approval. With less than an hour left on the countdown, SpaceX called off the mission. The company did not announce a new launch date but hinted that another attempt could come as soon as Thursday night.
Stranded ISS astronauts Wilmore and Williams’ Extended Stay in Orbit
The new crew must reach the ISS before Wilmore and Williams can return home.
The stranded ISS astronauts remain in orbit for now. The pair originally flew to space in June aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule. However, major technical failures forced NASA to extend their stay.
Starliner’s first crewed flight was meant to last just one week. Instead, NASA ordered the spacecraft to return empty, leaving the two test pilots stuck on the ISS. Now, they must wait for a SpaceX ride home.
More Delays Could Extend Their Stay
With the latest launch delay, their return remains uncertain. If the issue persists, Wilmore and Williams may have to wait even longer. NASA has not provided a backup plan, increasing concerns over their extended mission.
SpaceX is working to fix the problem quickly. If all goes well, the next launch attempt could bring relief for the stranded astronauts soon.
