The SpaceX Crew-10 mission has successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), marking the tenth operational crew rotation under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This mission, which launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 14, has been particularly significant due to the presence of astronauts from NASA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Roscosmos, continuing international collaboration in space exploration.
To fully appreciate the significance of the Crew-10 mission, it’s important to look back at the history of NASA and Boeing’s Starliner Flight Test. On June 5, 2024, the Boeing Crew Flight Test launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using an Atlas V rocket built by United Launch Alliance (ULA). This was a major moment for Boeing and NASA, as it marked the first time Starliner would carry astronauts into space. The mission was a key step in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to partner with private companies like Boeing and SpaceX to send astronauts to the ISS.
On board the Starliner spacecraft, two highly experienced NASA astronauts were set for an eight-day mission:
Butch Wilmore (Commander) – A former Navy pilot and experienced astronaut.
Sunita Williams (Pilot) – A record-holding astronaut known for her long-duration space missions.
The plan was simple: launch, dock with the ISS, stay for a few days, and return to Earth. But things didn’t go as expected.
The Trouble Begins: Starliner Faces Technical Issues
At first, everything seemed normal. The launch went smoothly, and Starliner reached orbit successfully. However, as the spacecraft approached the ISS for docking, problems started appearing.
Thruster Malfunctions – Several of Starliner’s small thrusters, used to adjust its position in space, did not work properly.
Helium Leaks – Engineers detected leaks in the spacecraft’s propulsion system, which controls its movement and stability.
Despite these issues, Starliner managed to dock with the ISS on June 6, 2024. The astronauts successfully entered the space station and joined the existing crew. At that time, NASA and Boeing engineers on the ground believed the issues could be fixed before the spacecraft’s return to Earth.
Originally, Wilmore and Williams were supposed to stay on the ISS for just eight days. But as engineers investigated the problems, they realized the return journey might not be safe.
The biggest concern? If the thrusters malfunctioned again during re-entry, the spacecraft might not land safely.
NASA and Boeing decided to keep the astronauts on the ISS until they found a solution. The situation was unusual, but safety always comes first in space travel.
What Are the Astronauts Doing While Stuck in Space?
Instead of waiting around, Wilmore and Williams have been helping with daily ISS operations, including:
Conducting science experiments related to space medicine and technology.
Helping with space station maintenance and upgrades.
Communicating regularly with engineers on the ground about the status of Starliner’s issues.
Though their extended stay wasn’t planned, both astronauts have remained calm and focused, treating it as part of their job.
Building on this rich history, modern space programs like NASA’s Commercial Crew Program continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, with missions such as SpaceX Crew-10 Test playing a crucial role in this new era.
NASA’s Backup Plan: Bringing the Astronauts Home SpaceX Crew-10
A Perfect Launch Under the Florida Sky
On March 14, 2025, at exactly 7:03 p.m. Eastern Time, a Falcon 9 rocket roared to life at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, carrying four astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, Endurance. The launch occurred under clear skies, and as the rocket ascended, spectators and space enthusiasts watched in awe, witnessing yet another historic moment in human spaceflight.
The crew of four, consisting of –
Anne McClain (NASA, Commander): This marks her second spaceflight.
Nichole Ayers (NASA, Pilot): Embarking on her first space mission.
Takuya Onishi (JAXA, Mission Specialist): This is his second spaceflight.
Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos, Mission Specialist): Participating in his inaugural space mission.
After launch, Endurance smoothly separated from the Falcon 9’s second stage and began its 36-hour journey to the ISS. The spacecraft performed a series of precise maneuvers, gradually aligning its orbit with the space station, traveling at a speed of approximately 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph).
During the transit, the crew carried out a series of routine system checks and engaged in brief moments of downtime, taking in breathtaking views of Earth from the spacecraft’s windows. NASA live-streamed parts of the journey, giving the public a rare glimpse into the experiences of astronauts as they floated in microgravity, adjusting to their new environment.
A Flawless Docking and Warm Welcome on the ISS
On March 16, 2025, at 12:04 a.m. ET (04:04 UTC), Endurance autonomously docked with the ISS’s Harmony module. The docking sequence, which had been meticulously rehearsed on Earth, was executed with precision as the spacecraft made a slow and controlled approach before latching onto the station’s port. moments after docking, the hatches were opened, and the Crew-10 astronauts were greeted by the existing ISS crew, including NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams. The emotional moment was particularly significant for Wilmore and Williams, who had been on the ISS for over nine months due to delays with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, their originally planned return vehicle. Crew-10’s arrival now paves the way for their long-awaited return to Earth.
The Crew-10 missions three main purposes:
1. Crew Rotation: The mission facilitates the regular exchange of ISS crew members, ensuring continuous human presence and operations aboard the station.
2. Scientific Research: Crew-10 is set to conduct various scientific experiments aimed at preparing for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefiting life on Earth.
3. Rescue and Return: A significant objective of Crew-10 is to bring back astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been on the ISS for over nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule.
The Road Ahead: A New Chapter in Spaceflight
The success of the Crew-10 mission is another testament to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which has enabled regular human spaceflight to the ISS through partnerships with private companies like SpaceX. With Crew-10 now safely aboard, attention will soon shift to upcoming missions, including the highly anticipated Boeing Starliner crewed flight, which is expected to finally launch later this year. Meanwhile, NASA, SpaceX, and their international partners continue to prepare for future lunar missions under the Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the Moon later in the decade.
For now, Crew-10 is settling into their new home, ready to contribute to humanity’s ever-expanding presence in space. As they begin their work aboard the ISS, the world watches, inspired by yet another successful leap forward in human exploration beyond Earth.