NASA Alters SpaceX Crew-9 Mission for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's Return from ISS

Aug 30, 2024, 05:00 PM

NASA has made significant changes to its upcoming SpaceX Commercial Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The agency has removed two astronauts from the mission to accommodate the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are currently at the ISS. This decision is part of NASA's ongoing collaboration with Russia, where a Russian cosmonaut, Aleksandr Gorbunov, will fly on the Crew-9 Dragon alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague. Hague, an Air Force colonel, former F-16 test pilot, and experienced astronaut, will assume the role of mission commander. The adjustments ensure that the Crew-9 mission will carry only two astronauts instead of the usual four. This strategic move allows NASA to utilize the empty seats on the Dragon spacecraft for the return of the Starliner crew in February. The changes were made under the direction of Chief Astronaut Joe Acaba, who emphasized the importance of having a flight veteran in the commander's seat.