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NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX mission.
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They were warmly welcomed by Commander Sunita Williams and fellow astronauts, who have been stranded on the ISS due to Boeing spacecraft issues.
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Hague and Gorbunov will spend five months on the ISS and eventually bring Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore back to Earth in February 2024.
Astronauts Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday aboard a SpaceX mission. They were greeted with warm hugs and smiles by Commander Sunita Williams and fellow astronauts, who have been awaiting their arrival.
Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore have been stuck on the ISS since June due to technical issues with the Boeing spacecraft that was supposed to return them to Earth. NASA decided to wait for SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission to bring them home safely. Hague and Gorbunov’s arrival brings relief and joy to the crew.
During their five-month stay on the ISS, Hague and Gorbunov will participate in over 200 scientific experiments. Williams has taken on extra responsibilities during her extended stay and will return to Earth with Wilmore and the new astronauts in February 2024. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy praised the teamwork and dedication that made the mission possible.
SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission marks the company’s 10th successful mission since 2020, highlighting its growing role in NASA’s space operations. The mission’s success is a testament to the collaboration between NASA and SpaceX.
Welcome, #Crew9! After floating through the Dragon’s hatch, our new arrivals join the crew aboard the @Space_Station. They’ll spend five months conducting @ISS_Research and maintenance on the orbiting lab. pic.twitter.com/DJX7f9vxlg
— NASA (@NASA) September 29, 2024
