SpaceXThe Crew-9 mission successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) on September 29, 2024, NASA astronaut Colonel Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov boarded the Crew Dragon capsule named Freedom. After launching from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28, the crew completed a one-day orbital trip before jumping at 5:30 pm EDT (3:00 am IST). Haig is the first active member of the US Space Force to reach space, further emphasizing the significance of this mission.
First manned space flight from Space Launch Complex-40
The launch of Crew-9 marked a historic moment as it was the first human spaceflight to take off from Space Launch Complex-40 (SLC-40). With the arrival of Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov, the total number of astronauts aboard the ISS is eleven. However, this mission is also notable because of NASA’s decision to reduce Crew-9’s original four-man roster. Instead, the mission was modified to carry only two astronauts to make room for two astronauts already aboard the ISS who needed a return trip to Earth.
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who arrived on the ISS in June with the first crew Boeing Starliner flight, originally there were only ten days left. However, technical problems with the Starliner’s thrusters extended their stay on the station.
Preparing for the departure of Crew-8
Crew-9’s arrival also marks the impending departure of Crew-8 astronauts, including NASA’s Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominique, Jeanette Epps and cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin. The four, who arrived at the station in March, are due to return to Earth soon after the Crew-9 docking process is complete. If all goes according to plan, Crew-9 will remain on the ISS until February 2025, further supporting current space research and operations on board the station.
