This weekend, history is ready to be made as SpaceX gears up for the launch of its Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft, marking a critical Phase 1 step in a mission to return two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) back to Earth. This marks the ninth commercial crew mission for SpaceX, and excitement is in the air!

The NASA Crew-9 launch is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, at 1:17 p.m. ET, with a backup launch opportunity on Sunday, September 29, at 12:54 p.m. ET. Both launches are set to take place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, barring any unforeseen complications posed by Hurricane Helene, which is currently bearing down on the region.

Meet the Astronauts on the Journey

On board this mission will be NASA astronaut Nick Hague, serving as the commander, along with Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov as the mission specialist. Initially intended as a four-person crew, the team was downsized to allow for the return of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who arrived at the ISS on a Boeing Starliner capsule in June.

Hague, who just turned 50, is no stranger to space travel. He became an astronaut in 2013 and has participated in multiple missions to the ISS. His impressive resume includes a role as the U.S. Space Force's director of test and evaluation from 2020 to 2022. At 39, Gorbunov is relatively new to the cosmos, having been selected as a cosmonaut in 2018 and having experience in various engineering capacities.

Where to Catch the Action

For space enthusiasts eager to witness the launch, streaming options are aplenty. You can watch live via the NASA Plus website, their official YouTube channel, and NASA's livestream page, with coverage starting one hour before liftoff. If you’re looking for an in-person experience, tickets for general admission and premium viewing are available at the Kennedy Space Center.

What's Behind NASA's Decision?

This mission isn't just about sending astronauts to space; it underscores NASA's increasing reliance on commercial space ventures like SpaceX. The decision comes after mechanical issues, including helium leaks in the Boeing Starliner, deemed it unsafe for Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth on that spacecraft. NASA decided to bring the Starliner back without a crew, successfully landing it in New Mexico just weeks ago.

Shockingly, this isn't the first time NASA has had to extend missions beyond intended durations. Last year, astronaut Frank Rubio spent over a year on the ISS due to a coolant leak that prevented his planned return on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

Plans During Their Extended Stay

Once Hague and Gorbunov reach the ISS, the astronauts will engage in research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance—their time will be busy and productive! Meanwhile, astronauts currently on the ISS, including Matthew Dominick and Jeanette Epps, will eventually disembark and splash down back in Florida.

Looking ahead, this mission isn't an isolated event; it paves the way for upcoming visits from a SpaceX resupply mission, NASA's Crew-10, and several cosmonaut cargo deliveries.

As we prepare for this monumental launch, the eyes of the world will be on SpaceX and the brave astronauts leading us further into the final frontier. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating event!