CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX has postponed its mission to transport a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS) following the discovery of an issue at the launch pad. The flight was intended to relieve two NASA astronauts currently stationed at the ISS.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been in orbit for nine months and are awaiting the arrival of their replacements before they can return to Earth.
The delay was triggered by concerns regarding a crucial hydraulic system component discovered less than four hours before the planned launch of the Falcon rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Engineers assessed the hydraulic system responsible for disengaging one of the two arms securing the rocket to its support structure as the countdown proceeded. This structure is critical for tilting back immediately before launch.
The four astronauts, already secured inside their capsule, awaited the final decision, which was made with less than an hour remaining in the countdown. SpaceX announced the cancellation for the day. A new launch date was not immediately provided, although the company indicated that the next attempt could be as early as Thursday night.
The incoming crew, comprised of members from the U.S., Japan, and Russia, is slated to replace Wilmore and Williams, who have been on the ISS since June. Their extended stay became necessary after Boeing’s Starliner capsule experienced significant malfunctions during its initial crewed flight.
The initial plan for Starliner’s first crewed mission was a week-long stay, but NASA directed the capsule to return without a crew and reassigned Wilmore and Williams to SpaceX for their return journey.