ALBAWABA – SpaceX, the space exploration technologies corporation, commonly referred to as SpaceX, an American spacecraft manufacturer that launches service provider and satellite communications, announced the launch of a new capsule on Saturday that will rescue two NASA astronauts.
SpaceX rescues two NASA astronauts
According to SpaceX, two crew members left yesterday on a new capsule to help return two NASA astronauts who left previously into orbit using Starliner Boeing's spacecraft.
The two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, were supposed to return to Earth on Starliner by mid-June, just a week after their launch. However, their spaceship faced thrusters and helium loss technical issues, which led NASA to postpone their return.
The two astronauts are set to come back in February 2025 with Wilmore and Williams. (Shutterstock)
NASA's Nick Hague and Russia's Alexander Gorbunov left yesterday on this new mission, named ‘Crew Dragon’ on a ‘Falcon 9’ rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The two astronauts are set to come back in February 2025 with Wilmore and Williams.
It is worth noting that Wilmore and Williams launched their trip to space in June 2024. The two astronauts were scheduled to come back to earth within 8 days, however, their Boeing's Starliner capsule encountered a helium leak and engine issues.
NASA decided to return the capsule empty to earth earlier this month and the two astronauts stayed at the space station. Although ‘Crew Dragon’ was set to launch with four new astronauts, Hague and Gorbunov launched alone yesterday to leave seats for Wilmore and Williams on the way back.
