SpaceX launching capsule to rescue two stranded astronauts from space station

SpaceX is preparing to launch two new crew members to the International Space Station on Saturday, as part of the Crew-9 mission. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will join five other astronauts on the orbiting lab, Expedition 72, until February. The duo will also bring back NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who flew to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft but experienced technical issues that extended their stay. The Crew-9 launch has been delayed multiple times, most recently due to Hurricane Helene, but weather officials predict a 55% chance of favorable conditions. NASA is keeping seats on the Crew-9 flight open for Wilmore and Williams, pushing back the original plan to send four crew members. The launch is scheduled for 1:17 p.m. ET, weather permitting, and will mark another milestone in the ongoing efforts to maintain a human presence on the ISS.

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