A NASA-Spacex mission designed to pave the way for two stranded astronauts to return to Earth has postponed after a technical problem.
The launch of Falcon 9, scheduled to take off from the Florida Capeaveral Space Force station, was delayed due to a problem of the hydraulic land system.
The engineers identified the problem with hydraulics in one of the arms of the clamp, which raises the concerns that the arm may not have opened completely during the launch.
According to the BBC, Spacex said the work was underway to solve the problem, with another possible launch window available on Thursday. However, it is not clear if the team will be ready on time.
The rocket intended to take four new crew members to the International Space Station (ISS), creating a path for the return of NASA Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore astronauts.
The couple has been trapped in space since June 2024 after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft was considered insecure for the return trip. Once the Spacex mission successfully accumulates the ISS, astronauts could return to the land in a matter of days.
Williams and Wilmore originally left the Earth on June 5, 2024 for what was an eight -day mission. Instead, more than nine months have passed in the ISS, supporting ongoing research and maintenance tasks.
The postponed launch was expected to facilitate its return as early as Sunday.
Read also: Biden blocked the Spacex mission to rescue two astronauts now stranded for eight months – musk
Despite the prolonged stay, both astronauts remained optimistic. Speaking during a La ISS press conference in September, they described how they were mentally prepared for unexpected developments. “This is my happy place,” said Williams, while recognizing that he missed his family and two dogs.
Wilmore reflected on Starliner's problems, stating that they didn't feel “comfortable” when using it to fly back. He pointed out that “90% of his training was preparing for the unexpected” and added that they would stay for “eight months, nine months, 10 months” if necessary.
Mrs. Williams also shared a more reflective thought about life in orbit: “Open the door to make you think a bit differently. It is the only planet that we have and we should take care of it. ”
Tribune online The reports that the CEO of Spacex, Elon Musk, recently accused the administration of deliberately avoiding his company to rescue two NASA astronauts that have been stranded aboard the ISS for more than eight months.
He said that Spacex could have brought them back six months ago, but former President Joe Biden refused to approve the mission.
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