SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) on September 29, 2024. NASA astronaut Colonel Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov aboard the Crew Dragon capsule, named Freedom. After launching from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28, the crew completed a one-day orbital journey before docking at 5:30 PM EDT (3:00 AM IST). Haig is the first active member of the US Space Force to reach space, further highlighting the importance of this mission.

First human spaceflight from Space Launch Complex-40

The launch of Crew-9 was a historic moment as it was the first human spaceflight to depart from Space Launch Complex-40 (SLC-40). The arrival of Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov brings the total number of astronauts aboard the ISS to eleven. However, this mission is also unique due to NASA’s decision to reduce Crew 9’s original four-man roster. Instead, the mission was modified to carry only two astronauts to make room for the two astronauts already in the ISS who needed a return trip to Earth.

Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who arrived at the ISS in June on the first Boeing Starliner flight, were originally scheduled to stay for only ten days. However, technical problems with the Starliner’s thrusters extended its stay on the station.

Preparing for Crew 8’s departure

Crew-9’s arrival also marks the upcoming departure of Crew-8 astronauts, including NASA’s Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominik, Janet Epps, and astronaut Alexander Grebenkin. The four, which arrived at the station in March, are due to return to Earth soon after Crew 9’s docking process is complete. If all goes according to plan, Crew-9 will remain in the ISS until February 2025, further supporting ongoing space. Research and operations at the station.