Americans and Russians launch to the International Space Station carrying knowledge with Space

With half the crew on board, an American and a Russian blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronaut Nick Hague and astronaut Alexander Gorbunov launched on time aboard the “Crew Dragon” spacecraft belonging to technology billionaire Elon Musk’s private space company SpaceX from the Cape Canaveral Spaceport in the US state of Florida, as live images from the US space agency NASA showed.

The start had previously been postponed for a few days due to the effects of Storm Helen. Weather was the biggest concern on Saturday, with rain and storms posing a risk until the end, and the “Crew Dragon” is expected to arrive at the International Space Station on Sunday. As part of their mission, the crew will conduct scientific experiments there over several months, for example on the physics of supernova explosions, and on cells and plant growth conditions, which should also provide important insights into life on Earth.

Stranded Starliner passengers must return

In fact, astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson were supposed to be part of the now-launched “Crew 9.” However, they had to vacate their seats so astronauts Sonny Williams and Barry Wilmore, who were stranded on the International Space Station, could be returned to Earth. Williams and Willmore were only supposed to spend about one week aboard the International Space Station. However, due to technical problems with the Starliner vehicle they traveled to the International Space Station in June, NASA decided to return the spacecraft to Earth without a crew. Williams and Willmore are scheduled to return to Earth with Hague and Gorbonau in February.