SpaceX crew Dragon successfully rescues stranded NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Wilmore at ISS
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, tasked with rescuing stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS).
This docking brings relief to Williams and Wilmore, two NASA astronauts who have been stuck in orbit since June due to safety concerns with their initial spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner.
Originally scheduled for a short week-long mission, the astronauts' stay on the ISS was prolonged after the Starliner experienced thruster failures and helium leaks shortly after launch. NASA deemed it too dangerous for the astronauts to return in the Starliner, which was sent back to Earth empty earlier this month.
The Crew Dragon, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Saturday, carried NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov. The docking occurred around 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed the event on Twitter, stating, "Dragon has reached @Space_Station."
Upon the arrival of Hague and Gorbunov, Sunita Williams, now commander of the ISS, greeted them with excitement: "I just want to say welcome to our new compadres." Their arrival increases the ISS crew to nine members, after adjustments were made due to the extended stay of Williams and Wilmore.
To ensure Williams and Wilmore can return to Earth, NASA opted to use the SpaceX Crew Dragon, removing astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson from the Crew-9 mission. This adjustment allows four astronauts, who have been aboard the ISS since March, to prepare for their return to Earth in another SpaceX capsule next week, reducing the station’s crew back to the standard seven members.
Despite their extended mission, Williams and Wilmore, experienced NASA astronauts and retired Navy captains, have adapted well. They have continued with routine maintenance and scientific research on the ISS. Their return is expected in late February, making their mission over eight months long—far beyond the originally planned eight days.
Hague, who is leading the rescue effort, acknowledged the complexities of the mission, saying, "We've got a dynamic challenge ahead of us. We know each other and we're professionals, and we step up and do what's asked of us."
Dragon has reached @Space_Station https://t.co/p0kEkJklnK
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 29, 2024
Welcome, #Crew9! After floating through the Dragon’s hatch, our new arrivals join the crew aboard the @Space_Station. They’ll spend five months conducting @ISS_Research and maintenance on the orbiting lab. pic.twitter.com/DJX7f9vxlg
— NASA (@NASA) September 29, 2024
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Pope Leo XIV blasts 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling the US-Israeli war in Iran
Rome AP: In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” that is fueling the US-Israel war in Iran and demanded political leaders stop and negotiate peace.
Leo presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica on the same day the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan and as a fragile ceasefire held.
History's first US-born pope didn't mention the United States or President Donald Trump in his prayer, which was planned before the talks were announced. But Leo's tone and message appeared directed at Trump and US officials, who have boasted of US military superiority and justified the war in religious terms.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” Leo demanded. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
