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NASA is making significant adjustments to its upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 mission which is set to launch no earlier than September 24, 2024. This mission will take astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), but it will now feature a smaller crew than originally planned.
Updated Crew Details
The mission will see NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov take on the roles of commander and mission specialist, respectively. They will be flying aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Notably, this mission will launch with two empty seats as NASA has opted to conduct the Boeing Crew Flight Test without a crew on board. This decision allows Hague and Gorbunov to proceed with their mission. At the same time, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who previously launched on the Starliner spacecraft in June will return home with them in February 2025.
Reassignment of Astronauts
Originally, NASA had planned for astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson to join the Crew-9 mission. However, with the recent changes they are now eligible for reassignment to a future mission. This shift emphasises the dynamic nature of space missions where adjustments are sometimes necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the crew.
Decision-Making Process
The decision to include Hague in the mission was made by NASA's chief astronaut, Joe Acaba, at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Acaba faced the challenge of selecting a crew member with prior spaceflight experience to lead the mission while also ensuring that the team included a Roscosmos cosmonaut capable of managing critical systems for safe operations at the ISS.
Acaba acknowledged the difficulty of downsizing the crew by stating, “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.” He expressed confidence in the abilities of all crew members by emphasizing their professionalism and dedication throughout their training for the mission. Acaba also noted that Cardman and Wilson would continue to support their crewmates in the lead-up to the launch by highlighting their commitment to the mission and the spirit of teamwork that defines the astronaut program.
The changes to the Crew-9 mission present challenges as they also reflect NASA's commitment to ensuring the safety and success of its space endeavours. The agency remains focused on maintaining an integrated and capable crew for the journey ahead.
Reassignment Details Awaited for Cardman and Wilson
The agency has announced that information regarding the reassignment of astronauts Kayla Cardman and Robert Wilson will be shared when it becomes available. Expressing pride in her team, Cardman stated, "I am deeply proud of our entire crew." She conveyed her confidence in her fellow astronauts, Nick Hague and Alex Ovchinin and their ability to excel in their new roles. Cardman emphasized that all four astronauts are fully committed to the mission's success, and she along with her colleague Stephanie Wilson is looking forward to their eventual participation in spaceflight when the timing is right.
Wilson’s Support for His Colleagues
Echoing Cardman’s sentiments, Wilson added, "I know Nick and Alex will do a great job with their work aboard the International Space Station as part of Expedition 72." He expressed his trust in their abilities to perform their duties effectively.
Nick Hague's Experience and Background
Nick Hague brings a wealth of experience to the mission, having already spent 203 days in space. This upcoming launch marks his third journey into space and his second mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Hague’s first mission, however, was not without challenges. During his initial launch in October 2018 aboard the Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft, Hague and his crewmate, Roscosmos’ Alexey Ovchinin encountered a rocket booster failure. This malfunction led to an in-flight abort and a dramatic ballistic re-entry after which they safely landed. Undeterred, Hague returned to space five months later aboard Soyuz MS-12 where he served as a flight engineer during Expeditions 59 and 60. During this mission, Hague conducted three spacewalks where he contributed to crucial upgrades to the ISS’s power systems and the installation of a docking adapter designed for commercial spacecraft.
Hague’s Military Service and NASA Role
Beyond his space missions, Nick Hague has a notable military background. He is an active-duty colonel in the United States Space Force. From 2020 to 2022, Hague completed a developmental rotation at the Department of Defense where he served as the director of test and evaluation for the Space Force. After completing this rotation, Hague returned to NASA in August 2022. He took on responsibilities related to the Boeing Starliner Program until his recent assignment to this mission.
Gorbunov's Historic Journey to Space: A New Chapter for Gorbunov
This upcoming journey marks the first time that Gorbunov will venture into space and visit the International Space Station (ISS). Hailing from Zheleznogorsk in the Kursk region of Russia, Gorbunov has a solid educational background in engineering, particularly in spacecraft and upper stages which he obtained from the prestigious Moscow Aviation Institute.
Educational and Professional Background
Gorbunov's academic achievements include graduating from the military department, where he specialized in the operation and repair of aircraft, helicopters and their engines. This comprehensive training has equipped him with the skills necessary for the demanding environment of space travel. Before, being chosen as a cosmonaut in 2018, Gorbunov gained valuable experience by working as an engineer at Rocket Space Corp. Energia. In this role, he played a crucial part in supporting the launches of cargo spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome one of the most significant launch sites in the world.
Joining the Expedition 72 Crew
As part of his mission, Gorbunov will join fellow astronaut Hague and become a member of the Expedition 72 crew aboard the ISS. They will collaborate with other team members including Wilmore, Williams, NASA astronaut Don Pettit, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. Together, this diverse group will engage in scientific research and perform maintenance tasks as the station celebrates its 24th year of continuous human presence in orbit. This mission not only highlights Gorbunov's remarkable journey from engineer to cosmonaut but also emphasizes the ongoing commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and international cooperation in space exploration.
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