The countdown for NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission has officially begun, with a launch scheduled for September 26. This mission is notable for being crewed by two astronauts, with no pilot on board. It aims to bring NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back from the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are expected to arrive at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at approximately 1:30 PM ET on September 21. They recently completed routine pre-flight quarantine at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Hague will serve as the commander, while Gorbunov will take on the role of mission specialist during their flight on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

In addition to the planned launch on September 26 at 2:05 PM EDT, there are alternative opportunities for launch on September 27 and 28. Once in space, Hague and Gorbunov will join the Expedition 72 crew, which includes Williams, Wilmore, and other cosmonauts aboard the ISS, bringing the station's total crew to seven.

Originally, the Crew-9 mission was intended to have four astronauts, with Hague designated as the pilot. However, due to recent changes, he will now act as both commander and pilot. Hague explained, “The focus of effort over the last three weeks is what do we need to do differently to be able to launch as a crew of two.” He noted that they will need to balance the responsibilities of both roles during the mission.

Hague expressed confidence in Gorbunov's ability to handle pilot duties. He emphasized that the commander is ultimately responsible for crew safety and decision-making.

Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth with Crew-9 on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Following setbacks with the Starliner mission, NASA adjusted its plans, which now include returning the two Starliner astronauts on February 25, 2025, in two unoccupied seats on the Dragon.

The change necessitated additional training for Hague, Gorbunov, Wilmore, and Williams to prepare for their roles during the return journey. Hague mentioned that Williams and Wilmore need to familiarize themselves with the Dragon spacecraft, as it is currently their rescue vehicle.

He added that the Crew-9 mission will focus on critical safety training, including emergency responses like fire and depressurization events. “How do you put on a spacesuit really fast? How do you put on a breathing mask really fast?” he explained, emphasizing the importance of quick action in emergencies.

In February 2025, the crew will autonomously undock from the ISS and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere aboard the Dragon spacecraft.

Key Facts about the Crew-9 Mission:

1. Crew-9 will mark the first human spaceflight launch from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
2. This mission is the ninth crew rotation under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
3. The astronauts will spend around five months at the ISS, conducting over 200 science and research experiments before their return.
4. This will be Nick Hague's third launch and second mission to the ISS, having previously spent 203 days in space.
5. While at the ISS, Crew-9 will receive two Dragon spacecraft, including NASA’s 31st commercial resupply mission and Crew-10, along with cargo deliveries from Roscosmos.

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