NASA, SpaceX Swap Crew Capsules for Earlier ISS Return

NASA has revised its plans to expedite the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station by swapping out the new Crew Dragon capsule for a previously used one. This change allows the Crew-10 mission to launch earlier than initially scheduled, now set for no earlier than March 12, instead of the late March timeline. The decision was influenced by delays in the new capsule's readiness and the need to address the extended stay of Wilmore and Williams, who have been on the ISS since June 2024 following issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. NASA's Commercial Crew Program Manager, Steve Stich, praised SpaceX's adaptability in facilitating this change. The swap also affects Axiom's planned private mission, showcasing the ongoing challenges faced in human spaceflight. Ultimately, this strategic maneuver underscores the unpredictable nature of space missions and the necessity for quick adjustments.