SpaceX mission to return stranded astronauts delayed by hydraulic fault

A problem with the launch tower’s hydraulic system forced SpaceX to delay its mission for NASA astronauts.

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SpaceX's scheduled mission to return two NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed following a hydraulic issue with the launch tower.

The Falcon 9 rocket was supposed to take off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, transporting four new crew members to the ISS while setting the stage for the return of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.

However, the launch was postponed due to a problem with the hydraulics on one of the clamp arms, which is crucial for safely securing the rocket during takeoff. SpaceX engineers are now working to resolve the issue, with a potential new launch window on Thursday, although it remains unclear if the problem will be fixed in time.

Williams and Wilmore have been stranded at the ISS since June 2024, after their original spacecraft, Boeing's Starliner, was deemed unsafe for their return. The two astronauts had only planned to stay at the space station for an eight-day mission, but NASA officials decided to keep them aboard when issues with the Starliner emerged.

As a result, they integrated with the ongoing Crew-9 mission aboard the ISS, helping with maintenance, experiments, and research. While they have adapted to their extended stay, the delay has meant they’ve been using up resources initially intended for other crew members.

The launch delay has also impacted the crew rotation at the ISS. The SpaceX mission was supposed to send new astronauts to replace Crew-9, whose six-month mission is coming to an end.

The new crew includes NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. After their arrival at the ISS, Williams and Wilmore were due to return to Earth on the SpaceX Dragon capsule.

SpaceX confirmed the delay was a result of a hydraulic issue on the launch tower, not a problem with the spacecraft itself. The company is targeting a new launch time for Friday evening, pending repairs. If the issue is resolved in time, Williams and Wilmore could be back on Earth in the days following the launch.

Despite the unexpected setback, Williams and Wilmore have remained upbeat about their prolonged stay in space. In a September press conference from the ISS, Williams said, “This is my happy place,” although she admitted to missing her family and pets. Wilmore, too, expressed that while they were prepared to stay in space as long as needed, they would welcome their return.

SpaceX’s Commercial Crew Program is designed to facilitate regular missions to and from the ISS, ensuring the continued operation of the station and contributing to the advancement of human space exploration. The crew's research is aimed at advancing knowledge for future missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

NASA and SpaceX officials will continue to monitor the situation, and updates on the launch will be provided as soon as the repairs are completed.