NASA Crew-9 Mission Changes: Sunita Williams Update

NASA has announced significant changes to its upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned to launch four astronauts, the mission will now proceed with just two crew members, marking a major adjustment in NASA’s operational plans. The launch is scheduled for September 24, 2024, with the revised crew lineup consisting of NASA astronaut Nick Hague as the mission commander and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov as the mission specialist.

The key decision to downsize the Crew-9 mission came after NASA decided to return the Boeing Crew Flight Test uncrewed, thereby leaving two seats on the Crew-9 unoccupied. This change affects astronaut Sunita Williams, who traveled to the ISS in June aboard Boeing’s Starliner. Williams, initially slated to return with Crew-9, will now stay on the ISS until February 2025, returning to Earth alongside Hague and Gorbunov.

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NASA’s Chief Astronaut Joe Acaba emphasized the complexity of this decision, highlighting the need for a balanced and capable crew to handle both American and Russian systems aboard the ISS. Acaba stated, “While we’ve changed crew before for a variety of reasons, downsizing crew for this flight was another tough decision to adjust to given that the crew has trained as a crew of four.”

Previously announced crew members Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson will not be part of this mission but remain in line for future assignments. Both astronauts have expressed their unwavering support for their colleagues and the mission’s success. For Hague, this mission will mark his third launch and second journey to the ISS, increasing his total time in space to over 200 days. Gorbunov, however, will be embarking on his maiden spaceflight.

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The focus remains on ensuring the ISS’s continued human presence and supporting vital scientific research and maintenance activities. As NASA adapts to the evolving needs of space exploration, these changes reinforce its commitment to safe and efficient operations aboard the ISS.

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