SpaceX Crew-9 mission successfully docks with ISS

SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) on September 29, 2024. NASA astronaut Colonel Nick Haag and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr 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 journey before docking at 5:30 PM EDT (3:00 AM IST). The Hague is the first active member of the US Space Force to reach space, further underscoring the significance of this mission.

First human space flight from Space Launch Complex-40

The launch of Crew-9 marked a historic moment as it was the first human spaceflight to lift off from Space Launch Complex-40 (SLC-40). The arrival of Nick Haag and Aleksandr Gorbunov brings the total number of astronauts on board the ISS to eleven. However, this mission is also distinctive because of NASA’s decision to reduce Crew-9’s original four-person 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 at the ISS in June on the first crewed Boeing Starliner flight, were originally scheduled to stay for just 10 days. However, technical problems with Starliner’s thrusters extended their stay on station.

Making preparations for the departure of crew 8

The arrival of Crew-9 also marks the impending departure of the Crew-8 astronauts, including NASA’s Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, Jeanette Epps and cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin. The four, which arrived at the station in March, are expected to return to Earth shortly after Crew-9’s docking process is completed. If all goes according to plan, Crew-9 will remain on the ISS until February 2025, further supporting ongoing space travel research and activities on board the station.