SpaceX Launches Crew-10 to ISS, Paving Way for Starliner Astronauts' Return After Extended Mission

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the Crew-10 mission from Kennedy Space Center, sending four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, carrying NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, aims to relieve the Crew-9 members, including NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. Wilmore and Williams have been aboard the ISS since June, when they arrived on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for its first crewed test flight. Issues with the Starliner led to an extended stay for the astronauts, prompting NASA to return the spacecraft uncrewed. Crew-10's arrival will facilitate the return of Wilmore, Williams, and other Crew-9 members aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. The mission also faced scrutiny due to claims of political interference, but NASA and SpaceX officials affirmed that decisions were based on logistical and operational considerations. Crew-10 will conduct scientific research and technology development during their six-month stay on the ISS.