SpaceX Crew-10 Arrives at ISS, Paving the Way for NASA Astronauts’ Return

SpaceX’s Crew-10 Successfully Reaches ISS, Marking a Key Space Milestone

SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission has successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in space exploration and paving the way for the return of two long-stranded NASA astronauts.

Crew-10 Mission Details

On March 14, 2025, at 7:03 p.m. EDT, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying the Crew-10 mission aboard the Dragon capsule, named Endurance. The crew consists of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. After a 28-hour journey, the capsule successfully docked with the ISS on March 15, 2025, at approximately 12:04 a.m. EDT. citeturn0search1turn0search4

Stranded Astronauts’ Imminent Return

NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have been aboard the ISS since June 2024. Their initial mission, intended to last only about a week, was extended indefinitely due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, rendering it unsafe for their return. citeturn0search14

With the arrival of Crew-10, Williams and Wilmore are scheduled to return to Earth no earlier than March 19, 2025, aboard a SpaceX capsule already docked at the station. citeturn0search14

Crew-10’s Mission Objectives

The newly arrived Crew-10 members are set to undertake a six-month mission aboard the ISS. Their objectives include conducting scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefiting humanity on Earth. citeturn0search6

International Collaboration

The Crew-10 mission exemplifies international cooperation in space exploration, with crew members from NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Russian space agency Roscosmos. This collaboration underscores the collective efforts to advance scientific research and maintain the ISS as a hub for global scientific endeavors.

The successful docking of Crew-10 not only ensures the continuation of vital research aboard the ISS but also facilitates the long-awaited return of astronauts Williams and Wilmore, highlighting the resilience and dedication of those involved in human spaceflight.