SpaceX launches mission to rescue stranded astronauts

The Dragon capsule lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on September 28

SpaceX has successfully launched a mission to bring back two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June.

The Dragon capsule, carrying supplies and two empty seats for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on September 28.

Originally, Wilmore and Williams were expected to stay on the ISS for approximately eight days. However, a fault was detected in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, leading to its return to Earth without crew members as a safety precaution.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov are accompanying the Dragon capsule to deliver fresh supplies to Wilmore and Williams, with plans to return them to Earth in February.

The launch had initially been scheduled for Thursday but was postponed due to Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage across Florida and other southern states.

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has established a routine of transporting crews to and from the ISS every six months.

The Dragon capsule is expected to dock with the ISS on Sunday around 21:30 GMT.

In an unrelated development, SpaceX is considering a $15 billion investment in Vietnam to enhance its Starlink satellite internet services.

This was announced following a meeting between SpaceX Senior Vice President Tim Hughes and Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary To Lam during his visit to the US for the United Nations General Assembly.

The proposed investment represents a significant effort by SpaceX to provide satellite-based internet services to Vietnam, a country facing challenges in improving internet access due to its aging infrastructure and difficult terrain.

This initiative could help bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity for many residents in the region.

Overall, these developments highlight SpaceX's commitment to advancing space exploration and enhancing global communication networks through innovative technologies.