NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the highly anticipated Crew-10 mission, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This mission will transport a diverse team of four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) while facilitating the return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been in space for over eight months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Originally planned as a short eight-day mission, the prolonged stay of Williams and Wilmore has drawn significant attention, with speculation about the reasons behind the delay. However, NASA officials emphasize that astronaut safety remains the top priority. The Crew-10 mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marks the 10th operational crew rotation mission under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to ensure reliable transport to and from the ISS.
SpaceX Crew-10 mission astronauts experience, background, and other details
The Crew-10 mission features an international team of four astronauts from NASA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Roscosmos.
1. Anne McClain (NASA) – Mission Commander
- Background: Born in Washington, USA, Anne McClain was selected by NASA in 2013.
- Military experience: A Colonel in the U.S. Army and a Master Army Aviator, with over 2,000 flight hours in 20 different aircraft.
- NASA experience: Served as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 58 and 59 aboard the ISS.
- Current role: She will lead the Crew-10 mission as commander.
2. Nichole Ayers (NASA) – Pilot
- Background: A native of Colorado, USA, Ayers was selected by NASA in 2021.
- Military career: Former U.S. Air Force pilot, trained in the F-22 Raptor fighter jet.
- Flight hours: Accumulated 1,400 flight hours in T-38 and F-22 aircraft, including 200 combat hours in Iraq and Syria.
- Current role: She will serve as the pilot of Crew-10, marking her first spaceflight.
3. Takuya Onishi (JAXA) – Mission Specialist
- Background: A Japanese astronaut and former commercial airline pilot.
- Education: Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Tokyo.
- NASA experience: Flight Engineer for Expeditions 48 and 49 in 2016, with 113 days in space.
- Additional training: Participated in NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) program.
- Current role: As mission specialist, he will assist in scientific research and spacecraft operations.
4. Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos) – Mission Specialist
- Background: A Russian cosmonaut and former commercial airline pilot.
- Education: Engineering degree from the Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation School, Russia.
- Flight experience: Previously worked as a co-pilot for Russian airlines Nordwind and Ikar.
- Training: Specialized in skydiving, zero-gravity simulations, and survival training.
- Current role: Serving as mission specialist, assisting with scientific and maintenance activities.
Crew-10 mission launch details
The SpaceX Crew-10 mission is scheduled for liftoff on:
- Date: March 12, 2025
- Time: 7:48 PM ET (March 13, 5:18 AM IST)
- Location: Launch Complex 39A, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida
NASA confirmed the launch schedule in an official statement, mentioning that live coverage will begin at 3:45 PM ET (1:15 AM IST) on NASA’s streaming platforms.
Where to watch Crew-10 mission launch live
Space enthusiasts can watch the Crew-10 mission launch live on:
- NASA+ (official streaming platform)
- NASA’s official YouTube channel
- NASA’s X (Twitter) handle
Crew-10 mission objectives and significance
The Crew-10 mission plays a vital role in NASA’s ongoing efforts to advance scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS.
Key objectives of the Crew-10 mission:
- Scientific research: Conducting over 200 experiments focused on biological studies, material sciences, and space medicine.
- Technology demonstrations: Testing new materials, propulsion systems, and life-support technologies.
- Maintenance activities: Performing routine repairs and upgrades on the ISS infrastructure.
- Astronaut return: Facilitating the return of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been on the ISS far longer than planned.
