SpaceX crew-10 successfully docks with ISS, clearing way for Sunita Williams’ return

The SpaceX Crew-10 mission, a joint undertaking between NASA and SpaceX, successfully docked the International Space Station (ISS). This space travel milestone docking is a long-awaited achievement that has been taking place for days. Importantly, this mission will also welcome the long-absent astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after nine months aboard space.

Crew-10 mission information

The SpaceX Crew-10 mission is comprised of four crew members: NASA Commander Anne McClain, pilot Nichole Ayers, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. About an hour and 45 minutes after docking, the Dragon spacecraft hatch was opened, permitting Crew-10 members to join their fellow crew members on board the ISS.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to head back to earth

With the landing of Crew-10, NASA has begun the process of bringing back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were initially launched to the ISS in June 2024 on the Boeing Starliner. Their trip was initially scheduled for 10 days but was later prolonged to nine months because of technical problems with the thrusters of the Starliner. Considering the dangers of their return on the Starliner, NASA opted to return them aboard SpaceX's Crew-9 spacecraft.

Mission objectives and scientific research

The main mission objective of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission is to conduct scientific research and preparations for future deep-space missions. The astronauts will perform different experiments on the ISS, collecting important data that may be used in future human missions to Mars and the Moon.

Planned return date

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth from March 19, 2025, though this will be weather permitting. When they safely land, the Crew-10 mission will be a resounding success.