SpaceX Launches New Crew to ISS, Ensures Return of Delayed Astronauts

SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, paving the way for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return home after an extended stay of over nine months. Their departure had been delayed due to technical issues with their original spacecraft, Boeing's Starliner, which required a switch to a SpaceX capsule for their return journey. Following a handover period, Wilmore and Williams are expected to begin their journey back to Earth next week, contingent on favorable weather conditions. During their extended mission, they conducted various maintenance tasks and experiments aboard the ISS, with Williams setting a record for the most spacewalking time by a female astronaut. Both astronauts expressed excitement about reuniting with their families, highlighting the personal toll of their prolonged mission. The launch underscores NASA's ongoing commitment to ensuring a steady American presence in space.