NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the highly anticipated Crew-10 mission today, marking a crucial step in astronaut transport to and from the International Space Station (ISS). This mission will not only send four astronauts to the ISS but also facilitate the long-awaited return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded in space for over eight months due to technical failures with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Originally planned as an eight-day mission, their stay was significantly prolonged, leading to both political speculation and engineering debates.
The Crew-10 mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a team of astronauts from NASA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Roscosmos. This marks the 10th operational crew rotation mission under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. While the primary focus remains on replacing the ISS crew, the return of Williams and Wilmore has garnered significant attention, especially after Elon Musk hinted at potential political interference in their delayed return.
SpaceX plans Crew-10 and Starlink double launch Wednesday: how to watch live
The SpaceX Crew-10 mission is scheduled for launch on March 12, 2025, at 7:48 PM ET (March 13, 5:18 AM IST). The liftoff will occur from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
NASA confirmed the launch timing in an official post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating:
“NASA’s @SpaceX #Crew10 mission is scheduled to send four new crew members to the @Space_Station at 7:48 PM ET (2348 UTC) on Wednesday, Mar. 12. Live coverage starts at 3:45 PM ET (1945 UTC)—watch with us here on X.”
For space enthusiasts eager to watch the launch live, NASA has provided multiple streaming options:
- NASA+ (official streaming platform)
- NASA’s official YouTube channel
- NASA’s X (Twitter) handle
Crew-10 mission objectives and crew members
The Crew-10 mission will transport four astronauts from NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos to the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month mission focused on scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space exploration experiments.
Crew-10 mission astronauts:
- Anne McClain (NASA) – Mission Commander (Second spaceflight)
- Nichole Ayers (NASA) – Pilot (First spaceflight)
- Takuya Onishi (JAXA) – Mission Specialist (Second spaceflight)
- Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos) – Mission Specialist (First spaceflight)
Crew-10 mission goals:
- Conduct over 200 scientific experiments to support deep space exploration and human adaptation in space.
- Test material flammability in microgravity, aiding in future spacecraft safety designs.
- Engage in live educational outreach programs with students via ham radio communications.
- Assist in integrated studies on physiological and psychological changes in astronauts for future Mars and Moon missions.
Following liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket will propel the Dragon spacecraft to a speed of 17,500 mph to reach orbit. After 24 hours, it will dock autonomously with the ISS Harmony module. If necessary, the crew can manually pilot the spacecraft.
Why were Williams and Wilmore stranded in space for 8 months
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore were originally part of Boeing’s Starliner crew, launched in June 2024 for a short eight-day mission. However, the Starliner spacecraft encountered multiple technical failures, including propulsion leaks and thruster malfunctions, preventing a safe return to Earth.
Due to these issues, NASA prohibited Starliner from flying back until thorough safety evaluations were conducted. Consequently, Williams and Wilmore have remained aboard the ISS for over eight months, relying on SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission for their long-overdue return.
Crew-10’s journey and ISS activities
Upon reaching the International Space Station, Crew-10 will:
- Replace Crew-9 astronauts, who will depart shortly after their arrival.
- Conduct scientific research and technology experiments crucial for NASA’s future deep space missions.
- Welcome a new Soyuz spacecraft crew, including NASA astronaut Jonny Kim.
- Prepare for the arrival of several cargo spacecraft, including:
- SpaceX Dragon
- Roscosmos Progress
- Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus
- Private Axiom Mission 4 crew
The Spacecraft: Dragon “Endurance”
The Crew-10 team will travel aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft “Endurance”, which has successfully completed three prior missions:
Once Crew-10 reaches the ISS, NASA officials will assess weather conditions before authorizing Williams and Wilmore’s return to Earth.
