NASA, SpaceX launch crew to replace stranded astronauts

NASA and SpaceX sent a long-awaited crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, setting the stage for the return of American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded at the orbiting laboratory for nine months.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:03 p.m. from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying four astronauts to replace Wilmore and Williams. Both are veteran NASA astronauts and retired U.S. Navy test pilots who were the first to fly Boeing's Starliner capsule to the ISS in June.

However, problems with the Starliner's propulsion system during the flight led to an extension of their planned eight-day stay, as NASA deemed it too risky for them to return to the ship. Starliner eventually returned to Earth empty in September.

While Friday's Crew-10 mission is a routine crew change flight, it also marks a crucial step toward Wilmore and Williams' return to Earth. Their departure from the station is scheduled for March 19 after the Crew-10 astronauts arrive Saturday night.

CMG / gnews.cz-jav