NASA announces SpaceX Crew-9 changes before September launch

NASA has announced new changes in the Crew-9 mission which will launch in September with SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket featuring only two astronauts.

The space agency has confirmed that astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will travel to the International Space Station no earlier than Tuesday, September 24. Hague and Gorbunov will take this flight as commander and pilot respectively.

The Crew-9 flight was initially announced with four astronauts including Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson. The change comes after NASA decided to bring back Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the space station.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague (left) and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov (right) (Source: SpaceX)

These two were launched in June with Boeing Starliner’s maiden human spaceflight. Due to technical issues, the two remained stationed for more than two months.

These two will replace Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson and return alongside Hague and Gorbunov in February 2025. The selection of two flying astronauts is based on their capabilities.

“While we’ve changed crew before for a variety of reasons, downsizing crew for this flight was another tough decision to adjust to given that the crew has trained as a crew of four,” said Acaba. “I have the utmost confidence in all our crew, who have been excellent throughout training for the mission. Zena and Stephanie will continue to assist their crewmates ahead of launch, and they exemplify what it means to be a professional astronaut.”

(source)