SpaceX preparing to launch capsule rescuing two stranded astronauts from space station

SpaceX is set to launch two new crew members to the International Space Station on Saturday, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. They will join five other astronauts on Expedition 72, remaining on the ISS until February. The duo will return to Earth with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were initially meant to fly back on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, but were delayed due to issues with the spacecraft. The Crew-9 flight was supposed to carry four crew members, but two spots were left open for Wilmore and Williams. The launch has been delayed multiple times, most recently due to Hurricane Helene. NASA has predicted a 55% chance of favorable weather conditions for Saturday’s launch, with atmospheric conditions being the main concern. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon is scheduled to lift off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Once at the ISS, Hague and Gorbunov will conduct various experiments and tasks before returning to Earth in February.

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