SpaceX Crew-10 Mission Postponed to March 14th Following Hydraulic Issue

Launch Delayed Due to Hydraulics Issue

SpaceX was forced to postpone the scheduled launch of its Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on March 12 due to a hydraulics issue. The launch was called off just 45 minutes before liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, carrying four astronauts, was set to depart aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 7:48 p.m. EDT (2348 GMT). The problem was identified in the transporter-erector, which is responsible for moving and supporting the rocket on the launchpad. NASA astronaut Anne McClain, the mission commander, assured that the crew would be ready once the issue was resolved. Fortunately, no faults were reported with the Falcon 9 rocket or the Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance.

Technical Fault Identified in Transporter-Erector

According to NASA, the issue involved a clamp arm on the transporter-erector, which is crucial for securing the rocket before liftoff. Mike Ravenscroft, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program launch vehicle office manager, explained that the concern was related to how the Falcon 9 is held in place at the time of release. SpaceX and NASA engineers conducted assessments before deciding to postpone the mission to ensure the safety of the astronauts and the success of the mission.

New Launch Attempt Scheduled for March 14

Following the delay, NASA confirmed that another attempt to launch Crew-10 is scheduled for March 14 at 7:03 p.m. EDT (2303 GMT). The four-member team includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. The mission aims to transport the crew to the ISS for a six-month stay, replacing the Crew-9 team. The Crew-9 team, consisting of astronauts Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, and Barry Wilmore, along with cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, is expected to return to Earth shortly after Crew-10 arrives.

Looking Ahead: Mission Rescheduled

Despite the setback, the Crew-10 mission remains a top priority for SpaceX and NASA. The teams are working diligently to address the technical fault identified in the transporter-erector to ensure a successful launch on March 14. The safety of the astronauts and the integrity of the mission are paramount, and both organizations are committed to resolving any issues that may arise during the launch process. As preparations continue for the upcoming launch attempt, all eyes are on Kennedy Space Center as the countdown to Crew-10’s journey to the ISS resumes.