SpaceX Makes History: Crew Dragon Capsule Successfully Docks at ISS

The SpaceX Dragon capsule, housing the Crew-9 mission, successfully rendezvoused with the International Space Station on September 29. The two astronauts onboard were welcomed by the station’s current residents, including Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been unexpectedly extended their stay due to technical issues.

Mission Accomplished: SpaceX Dragon Reaches ISS

The SpaceX Dragon Freedom capsule successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on September 29 at 5:30 PM EDT, while the station was orbiting 260 miles above Botswana. At 7:04 PM EDT, the hatch between the Dragon and the ISS was opened, allowing NASA astronaut  to board the station.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov were warmly welcomed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) following their successful journey on the Crew Dragon spacecraft. A small ceremony was held to mark their arrival, joined by fellow ISS occupants, including NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.

The Crew Dragon mission was largely successful, reaching its designated orbit without encountering any significant problems. However, as reported by CNN, the upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, which separated from the capsule after launch, experienced some technical difficulties.

The Crew-9 mission, consisting of two astronauts on the SpaceX Dragon, embarked on its journey from Earth. The original mission was intended to carry four astronauts, including spaceflight veteran Stephanie Wilson and first-time astronaut Zena Cardman. However, to accommodate Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded at the International Space Station, two seats on the Dragon remained vacant.

NASA Announces Return Date for Stranded Astronauts Sunita Williams and Wilmore

Stich announced that NASA’s upcoming mission to the ISS, Crew-10, will utilize a new SpaceX capsule and is scheduled for February. This aligns with the planned return of the current mission, which was extended due to the Boeing Starliner’s technical issues. Williams and Wilmore, originally intended for a week-long stay, have been fulfilling the duties of the original Crew-9 mission while aboard the ISS. The successful docking of the SpaceX Dragon has initiated the countdown for their return to Earth.