NASA is all geared to launch the SpaceX Crew-9 mission on Saturday, 28^th September 2024. This mission will bring astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth, who have been on the International Space Station (ISS) since June. The launch is set for 1:17 pm EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the mission featured astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Initially scheduled for September 26, the launch faced delays due to Hurricane Helene.

NASA on X shared updates, that managers from NASA and SpaceX were discussing the planned September 28 launch of the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station, along with a weather update provided by Space Launch Delta 45.

In a separate post, NASA revealed plans for a live panel focused on the International Space Station. In this event, leaders from NASA will address questions from digital creators, participating in the Crew-9 NASA Social event. Furthermore, questions can also be sent online, using the hashtag #AskNASA, allowing a broader audience to engage in the discussion.

What is the Aim of NASA SpaceX Crew-9?

The goal of the Crew-9 mission is to transport astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to the International Space Station (ISS) for a five-month stay. During this time, they will also ensure astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s safe returns. It has been decided that Hague and Gorbunov will remain on the ISS until February, coinciding with the next crew rotation.

Originally, Astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson were part of the Crew-9 team, however they were removed from the mission to make room for returning astronauts.

Sunita and Wilmore arrived at the ISS in June aboard Boeings Starliner capsule. Eight days was the original plan of their expedition. However, the stay was extended due to Starliners thruster issues.

When and Where to Watch Crew-9 Launch?

The live coverage of NASA SpaceX Crew-9 will begin streaming on September 28, 2024, at 9:00 AM EDT. Viewers can access the broadcast on the official NASA website, YouTube, and NASA+.

The SpaceX Crew-9 marks the first crewed launch from Space Launch Complex-40. It is anticipated that the spacecraft will dock with the ISS on Monday, around 5:30 PM EDT.

Once the launch and ascent coverage concludes, NASA will only provide audio updates. At the start of the rendezvous and docking phase, NASA+ will resume continuous coverage. It will last until the hatch opening and the welcome ceremony of the crew.

The official website of NASA will access the coverage of NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 mission on launch day. Soon after the liftoff, on-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be made accessible, guaranteeing that spectators may see action and highlights from this significant event.